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SEED SIZE VARIATION AND ITS EFFECTS ON GERMINATION, GROWTH AND SEEDLING SURVIVAL IN ACACIA NILOTICA SUBSP. INDICA (BENTH.) BRENAN

S. SHAHID SHAUKAT, ZAMIN S. SIDDIQUI AND SEEMI AZIZ

Abstract: The importance of seed size in germination, emergence, growth and survivorship was assessed. Seed weight of Acacia nilotica subsp. indica varied from 0.1104 to 0.2490 g per seed with a coefficient of variation of 19.56 %. Larger seeds showed greater rate and final germination percentage compared to medium and small size seeds. Survivorship curves for all three seed size categories approached Deevy type II curves but the curves for medium and small-sized seeds were slightly steeper. Final surviving percentage of seedlings after 120 days was higher for large seeds compared to that of medium and small seeds. Seedling fresh and dry weights after 120 days of growth were greater for the ones developed from large seeds. It is concluded that variation in seed size produces variation in seedling fitness.

Department of Botany, University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan.