Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology

This current study investigated the effectiveness of various pre-sowing treatments on the germination of Terminalia bellirica (Baheda) seeds, is a very important tree species and valuable tree for the timber and medicinal value. That is belongs to Combretaceae family.  A species facing decline due to overexploitation and poor natural regeneration. The research was conducted in Charama, Kanker District, Chhattisgarh, from March to June 2025. The study employed a completely randomized design with five treatments, including a control (T₀), and three replications. The treatments included soaking seeds in cold water for 24 hours (T₁), cold water for 48 hours (T₂), cow dung slurry for 24 hours (T₃), and seed pelleting (With adhesive gum and clay powder) (T₄). Results showed that pre-sowing treatments significantly improved germination. Soaking seeds in cold water for 48 hours (T₂) resulted in the fastest seedling emergence (17 days after sowing - DAS) and the highest germination percentage (75%), mean daily germination (0.50%), peak value (4.23), and germination value (2.1). Soaking in cow dung slurry for 24 hours (T3) also showed positive effects, with seedling emergence at 20 DAS and a germination percentage of 61.6%. The control group (T0) exhibited the slowest emergence (35 DAS) and the lowest germination percentage (41.6%).  can effectively overcome the natural dormancy of Terminalia bellirica seeds, promoting faster and more uniform germination, which is crucial for conservation and sustainable utilization of this valuable medicinal plant.