STUDIES ON THE GERMINATION INHIBITORS IN THE FRUIT OF FOUR TROPICAL TREE SPECIES

Abstract

Germination inhibitors in the aqueous extracts of the fruits of four tropical tree species were investigated.  The germination inhibitors were characterized according to their Relative Font (RF) values in two solvents using the paper chromatography. Aqueous extracts of intact fruits of Terminalia ivorensis, when applied to guinea corn grains inhibited their germination. Inhibitors with Rf values 0.1-0 .2, 0.2-0.3, 0.5-0.7 and 0.8-0.9 were common in the four tree species. Inhibitors with Rf value of 0.4 were found in T.ivorensis and T.Superba.