Influence of presowing treatments on seed germination, seedling growth, and early development of teak (Tectona grandis)

Teak, a majestic timber cherished worldwide for its durability and rich golden hue, stands out as one of the most iconic industrial woods. The survival of this remarkable tree species is intricately intertwined with the ebb and flow of public demand, responding to the ever-changing needs of consumers. As global fascination with teak continues to rise, a wave, diving deep into the mysteries of nature to uncover specific microclimates that can dramatically boost the growth and vitality of this extraordinary tree. The study was carried out in an agroforestry nursery at Medicaps University in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, in 2024-2025. Under this research work, we analyzed various data related to commercial cultivation as well as the early development of Tectona grandis under six different seed presowing treatments, namely. (T₁) For 48 hours, seeds were submerged in hot water. (T₂) For seventy-two hours, seeds were submerged in cold water, (T₃) For 10 minutes, seeds were submerged in 80% H₂SO₄, (T₄) Seeds were submerged in Cow dung slurry for 24 hours, (T₅) seeds were submerged in GA₃solution (150 ppm) for 24 hours, and (T₆) Control. After five months, the seedlings' performance was evaluated. The findings revealed that the highest germination percentage, at 36.13%, was observed in T₃, where seeds were treated with H₂SO₄. Additionally, T₅, which involved seeds treated with a GA₃ solution, recorded the greatest collar diameter (1.40 cm), root length (30.73 cm), and seedling height (30.06 cm). In contrast, T₆, the control group, performed the least favorably. The study concluded that a 10-minute treatment with concentrated H₂SO₄ (80%) effectively enhances seed germination by breaking dormancy, while GA₃-treated seeds produce notably healthier seedlings.