Ecology of Seed Germination of Miswak-Salvadora persica Linn.

The influence of various environmental factors viz. temperature, light and water stress on seed germination of Salvadora persica were investigated. Seeds were kept in glass Petri- dishes and three replicates were taken. From 10°C to 30°C the germination was in increasing order after that it was constant at 35°C and at 40°C it was reduced. Exposure to prolonged far-red light inhibited seed germination and a short pulse of red light drastically increased seed germination. Increasing water-stress reduced percentage germination. This paper thus gives a clear picture of the strategies adapted by this important medicinal shrub to endure changes in the environmental conditions during the germination phase.