GERMINATION CHARACTERISTICS OF Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) DEL. SEEDS UNDER VARYING LIGHT AND SOWING ORIENTATIONS IN A SUDANO-SAHELIAN ZONE OF NIGERIA

Balanites aegyptiaca trees have multiple benefits to people in the arid/semi arid regions of Nigeria. Despite importance this species, it is still found wild. In order encourage domestication tree study was conducted determine optimum light requirement and best sowing position B. seeds that would enhance germination. The experiment laid out a 4×3 factorial completely randomized design (CRD) replicated 4 times. Factor A (light) has four levels: 100% (L1) (Control), 75% (L2), 50% (L3) 25% (L4). B (sowing orientation) 3 sown vertically with stalk upward (SO1), downward (SO2) horizontally (SO3). Germination percentage (GP), mean germination time (MGT days) speed (GS) were variables assessed. results show that, intensity interaction between did not significantly influence indices However, exposure high (100%) resulted better GP (13.81±7.18) GS (2.85±1.84). Sowing orientation also affect MGT significantly. affects seed gave (15.79±6.02) but early completion (11.29±7.17 observed when horizontally. Seeds germinate faster (3.44±1.85). should be vertical their under moderate exposure.