Breaking of structural dormancy in seeds of Tetrapleura tetraptera by Aspergillus niger

Aspergillus niger (strain UUF9202) significantly reduced the dormancy period and boosted aggregate germination percentage (AGP) in seeds of Tetrapleura tetraptera. A net reduction in mean germination time (MGT) to 12 days and an increase from 0 to 42% AGP were obtained in 32 days. The optimal spore inoculum of the fungus was 8.5 × 10≥10 ml −1 per 100 seeds in 96 h pregermination incubation. The potential of some physical factors in combination with this fungal concentration in enhancing AGP was evaluated. The treatments were as follows: (i) hot water scarification at 30°C, 50°C, 80°C and 100°C plus A niger; and (ii) nicking by decoating at either the micropylar or chalazal ends plus A niger. Micropylar scarification plus A niger gave the highest AGP (94%) followed by chalazal scarification plus A niger (86%) and hot water dip at 80°C + A niger (82%). The control seeds which were soaked in presterilised (by autoclaving at 121°C for 15 min) A niger spore suspension at 30°C gave zero germination.