www.tropicalplantresearch.com 645 Received: 24 June 2020 Published online: 31 December 2020 https://doi.org/10.22271/tpr.2020.v7.i3.081 7(3): 645–649, 2020 DOI: 10.22271/tpr.2020.v7.i3.081 ISSN (Online): 2349-1183; ISSN (Print): 2349-9265 TROPICAL PLANT RESEARCH The Journal of the Society for Tropical Plant Research Research article Effects of pre-sowing treatments on germination of Jatropha curcas L. seeds Onyekachi Chukwu 1 *, Ayobami A. Adeagbo 2 , Chisom L. Umeh 1 , Blessing C. Ojomah 1 and Ogheneochuko Ohwokevwo 1 1 Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria 2 Department of Forest Production and Products, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria *Corresponding Author: onye20042000@yahoo.com [Accepted: 10 December 2020] Abstract: Successful production of healthy seedlings in a forest nursery can be ensured through seed treatment to enhance germination. This study assessed the effects of pre-sowing treatments on the germination of Jatropha curcas; to provide the best treatment for enhancing seedling production. The experiment was laid in a completely randomized design with four treatments: (i) control (T1), (ii) soaking in; water at room temperature at room temperature for 16 hours (iii) cow- dung slurry for 16 hours (iv) 98% concentrated sulphuric acid for 5 minutes Each treatment received 10 seeds and was replicated 5 times giving a total of 200 seeds sown in sterilized river bank sand. Germinated seeds were counted, converted to percentages and arsine values. The data were further subjected to analysis of variance and significant means were separated using Duncan multiple range test (DMRT) at 0.05 level of significance. The results showed that seeds with no pre-sowing treatment had the highest mean germination (66%), DMRT revealed that significant difference (P<0.05) existed between seeds with no pre-sowing treatment and other treatments. The study concluded that viable Jatropha curcas seeds have no germination problem; the seeds could be germinated without pre-sowing treatment. Keywords: Duncan multiple range - Provenance trial - Seed germination - Silvicuture - Sulphuric acid. [Cite as: Chukwu O, Adeagbo AA, Umeh CL, Ojomah BC & Ohwokevwo O (2020) Effects of pre-sowing treatments on germination of Jatropha curcas L. seeds. Tropical Plant Research 7(3): 645–649] INTRODUCTION Jatropha curcas L. commonly referred to as “physic nut’’ or “purging nut’’, belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and its native to America. It has softwood with subtle grey back which produces white and milky latex when cut, it also produces woody by-products which eases the pressure on the forest (Achten et al. 2010), it is classified as a large shrub or a small perennial tree, this is as a result of its height, which could be between 5 m to 10 m depending on the environmental conditions (Divakara et al. 2010). Jatropha curcas is a drought-tolerant plant which grows in the marginal lands and it’s commonly used for hedgerow because it is not usually browsed by animals (Abou-Kheira & Atta 2009). Jatropha curcas is a plant with several uses and considerable of great potential. In the tropical countries, it is used as a live fence in the fields and settlements and in arid regions; it’s also used in controlling environmental pollution, soil erosion and improved water infiltration, reclaim wasteland. The plant also has numerous alternative uses which includes biodiesel production (Fairless 2007, Kant & Wu 2011, Maurya & Yadav 2016). The seed contains 60–68% of kernel which has up to 60% oil, the oil is been used traditionally for soap and candle production, lighting and lubricant. The de-oiled seedcake can be used for organic fertilizer without any detectable phorbol ester both in the crops and soil (Srinophakun et al. 2012). Studies (Abou-Kheira & Atta 2009, Sushma 2014) have revealed that different parts of the plant have various medicinal uses, its bark contains tannin, the flowers attract bees and thus the plant has a honey production potential. Ash from the burnt plant is used to produce lye for soap making. Its wood and fruit can be used for numerous purposes including fuel. Despite the increasing demand and use of Jatropha curcas globally, no plantation of its kind exists in the