Seeds often possess structural features that
affcct/rcstrict germination. These may be due to
impermeability of seed coat and other coverings
that prevent movement of water and/or gases.
Mechanical restrictions that prevent expansion and
growth of the embryo may also be involved and
such features arc particularly common in seeds of
Lcguminosac family (Maguire 1980). The seed
coat of such seeds cither physically restricts
growth of the embryo or acts as a barrier to the
free exchange of gases and uptake of water
(Duffus and Slaughter 1980). In such cases the
seed coat must be cracked or sacarificd to permit
entry of water and hasten the germination process
(Anon. 1987). It has been found that hot water
treatment of legume seeds can bring about an
appreciable increase in the percentage of
germination (Champion and Seth 1968) by
loosening the sccdcoat. The present experiment
was conducted to find out the effect of hot water
treatment of seeds on the germination of Albizia
lebbeck and Delonix regia.