Effects of Pre-Sowing Treatments and Sowing Depths on Seedling Growth of Tamarindus indica

A factorial experiment was conducted in the nursery unit of Aliko Dangote University of Science 
and Technology, Wudil. The experiment combined three pre-sowing treatments (hot water, acid, 
scarification, and control) with two sowing depths (1 cm and 2 cm). The results indicated that the 
interaction between pre-sowing treatment and sowing depth had a significant effect on seedling 
growth parameters, including leaf production, plant height, and stem girth. Notably, the study 
found that the acid treatment at a 2 cm sowing depth (B2) consistently resulted in the highest leaf 
production (9.867), plant height (13.70 cm), and stem girth (1.980 mm) at 8 weeks after sowing. 
The hot water treatment at the same depth (A2) also produced promising results, particularly in leaf 
production (9.200) and plant height (13.63 cm). These findings contradict previous reports 
suggesting that concentrated H2SO4 and mechanical scarification treatments were more effective, 
emphasizing the importance of seed quality variability, treatment duration, and concentration. This 
research contributes to developing effective procedures for producing high-quality Tamarindus
indica seedlings, thereby facilitating efficient and widespread plantation establishment. It is 
recommended that the acid treatment and 2 cm sowing depth be adopted for optimal seedling 
growth and development