Abstract

                                The effects of two seed pretreatments on the germination of seeds of eight varieties of soybean Glycine max L. were investigated. This is with the aim of improving germination and to determine the effects of these pretreatments on the rate of and total germination of the eight varieties used. Immersing seeds in 100" hot water for 20 and 40 seconds and soaking seeds for 5 and 10 minutes produced a total percentage germination of 70-100 within 4 days of sowing. The untreated but viable seeds of three of the eight varieties gave a total percentage germination of 70 within 8 days of sowing. The three varieties that generally responded to all the treatments by giving 100 per cent total germination include Sam Soy-2, TGX-563-02D and TGX 849-313D.

Key words : Soybean, Varieties, Pre-treatments, Seeds, Germination.