Overcoming Seed Dormancy in Cleome gynandra L. to Improve Germination

Abstract

Cleome gynandra L. is a traditional semi-domesticated leafy vegetable grown in East Africa. It belongs to the family Cleamaceae. Farmers save seed from each harvest for planting in the next season. C. gynandra seeds fail to germinate when planted immediately after harvest. Studies were conducted to determine appropriate seed treatments to overcome dormancy in freshly harvested C. gynandra seeds. Seeds were subjected to various dormancy breaking treatments including; Potassium nitrate (KNO3), leaching light, gibberellic acid (GA3) and chilling. Additional studies were carried out to determine the degree of dormancy in seeds harvested from pods at different positions on the plant. Among all treatments studied, application of GA3 at a concentration of 500 ppm resulted in the highest final germination...