Effects of seed orientation and sowing depths on germination and seedling vigour in Mahua (Madhuca longifolia)

Effects of seed orientation and depth at the time of sowing on germination and seedling vigour of Madhuca longifolia (J.Konig.) J.F.Macbr. were investigated. Seeds with uniform size were sown in sand filled earthen pots at 1.5, 3.0 and 5.0 cm depths, adopting three orientations of the embryo, viz., upright (embryo facing up), horizontal and inverted positions. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized block design. Percentage germination, days taken for initial emergence, speed of germination, germination index, root and shoot length and dry matter production, vigour index I and vigour index II were calculated. Placing the seeds with the embryo in upright position at a depth of 1.5 cm and 3.0 cm resulted in early and higher germination, higher seedling growth, greater dry matter production and vigour index I and vigour index II.