Germination Responses of Esyenhardtia texana and Leucaeena retusa

Abstract

Germination and radicle growth of kidneywood and little-leaf leadtree were greatest at 30°C but occurred under a wide range of temperatures. Germination and radicle growth of kidneywood seed did not differ over the pH range of 5 to 9. Germination of little-leaf leadtree was lower at pH 5 and 6 than at pH 7 to 9. Decreased water availability reduced germination and radicle length of both species; however, kidneywood seed germination was more tolerant of moisture stress than little-leaf leadtree. Seeds of both species maintained high viability for at least 42 months after collection. An impervious seedcoat prevents germination of little-leaf leadtree seeds until it is scarified. Results from these experiments indicated no significant germination problems will be encountered in attempts to establish these plants under field conditions.