Abstract

                                Subabul (Leucaena leucocephala Lam.) is a fast-growing perennial, nonclimbingfodder tree with an excellent source of protein. Its seed has physicaldormancy (hard seed coat) that prevents the entry of water molecules intoa seed, which leads to poor germination. In the present study, the freshseeds were collected and observed for morphological characters viz.,seed color, size, shape, 100 seed weight, and germination. Seed color,size, and germination test were analyzed under shade net condition. Theresults showed significant differences in both light and dark brown coloredseeds. Light brown colored seeds recorded higher germination (88 %) withlower dormancy and vice versa in the case of dark brown seeds where thegermination was 31 %. From this study, it is concluded that the seed coatcolor intensity influences the dormancy level of leucaena seeds. Hence, thelight brown seeds do not require any preconditioning whereas, dark browncolored seeds need pre-germination dormancy breaking to improve thegermination of seeds.

Key words : Subabul, Leucaena leucocephala, seed coat color, seed size, seed shape, depth of physical dormancy