EFFECT OF SEED GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF Pongamia pinnata (L.) PIERRE AT NURSERY LEVEL BY GRADING METHOD OF POD

A study was carried out at the Silviculture Research Division, Bangladesh Forest Research Institute, Chattogram during the period of July 2018 to investigate the effects of germination and seedling growth of Pongamia pinnata at nursery level by grading method of pod. Influence of grading pod on germination, seedling growth performance and vigor in Pongamia pinnata revealed large seeds to be characterized by better germination, growth performance and vigour index. Seeds are categorized in two grades, large and small, and four different pre-sowing treatments: pod without treatment (T₁), pod shocking 24 hour in normal water (T₂), pod shocking 30 minute in hot water (T₃), dry seed without treatment (T₄). Germination percentages were significantly (p≤0.05) depends on seed size and pre-sowing treatment where highest germination percentage observed in large dry seed (94±1.70) followed by small dry seed (82±1.48). Growth performance and vigor index was highest in large dry seed then small dry seed. The germination percentage, growth performance, vigor index of other treatments is not achieved satisfactory level.