Pre Sowing Treatments of Hibiscus Sabdariffa Seeds Germination

The germination of Hibiscus sabdariffa seeds, a plant of considerable economic importance due to its diverse applications in nutrition, medicine, and industry, is often constrained by low germination rates, particularly in arid and semi-arid environments. This research explores the impact of various pre-sowing treatments on improving seed germination, addressing the challenges of seed dormancy and low viability. The study employs a combination of mechanical scarification, hydro-priming, thermal treatments, and chemical scarification using sulfuric acid to assess their influence on key germination parameters such as germination rate, time to germination, seedling vigor, and overall seedling establishment. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was utilized to evaluate the efficacy of these treatments across different environmental conditions to simulate the variability found in agricultural settings. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and germination indices to determine statistical significance. The study also explores the physiological and biochemical responses of Hibiscus sabdariffa seeds to pre-sowing treatments, focusing on enzyme activity, moisture content, and metabolic changes during germination. The findings demonstrate that mechanical scarification and hydro-priming resulted in the highest germination rates and significantly improved seedling vigor compared to untreated seeds. Chemical scarification and thermal treatments also enhanced germination but showed variability depending on the concentration and duration of exposure. The research provides valuable insights into optimizing pre-sowing treatment protocols to enhance the commercial cultivation of Hibiscus sabdariffa, especially in regions facing climatic challenges such as drought. These findings have implications for both smallholder farmers and large-scale agricultural producers, contributing to sustainable agriculture and improved crop yields.