Role of lens and dormancy breaking treatment in Fabaceae seeds (Acacia auriculiformis A.Cunn. ex Benth., Delonix regia (Bojer ex Hook.) Raf. Cassia fistula L., Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr., Pongamia pinnata L.)

Abstract

Seeds of leguminous plants are generally considered as orthodox seed. However, the conditions for combinations of dormancy, as well as the location of water gaps in Fabaceae seeds remain unclear. In the present study, we consider the adaptive role of impermeable coats in the seeds of Acacia auriculiformis A.Cunn. ex Benth., Delonix regia (Bojer ex Hook.) Raf. Cassia fistula L., Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr., Pongamia pinnata L. The study was specially designed to analyze the condition that broke physical dormancy and locating primary water gap during dormancy breaking. Seeds were treated in hot water to break its physical dormancy and it was observed that water entered only through the lens due to dislodgement of palisade layer. In addition to extension of storage life of Delonix regia seed, it was proved by analyzing the low moisture content of 5.31%. This study concludes that the impermeable seed coat of seeds with low moisture content will increases storage life and seed imbibition adjusts germination with the growing season.