Acacia Nilotica Seeds

Occurs throughout the state. Easily identified by the yellow globose flower heads; dark brown or nearly black bark with deep longitudinal fissures and ivory white large stipular spines. Recommended for plantation in alluvial loam, tank silt, black -cotton soils, alkaline soils (provided the moisture conditions are favourable). It is a strong light demander, poor coppicer and moderately drought-resistant species.

Morphology of the Fruit/Seed : Pods moniliform, deeply constricted between the seeds, densely grey tomentose, sub-indehiscent; seeds 8 to 12 per pod, compressed, ovoid, dark brown, shining, with hard testa. 

Seed Collection and Storage : Seeds annually; mature pods collected from the ground in April-May, dried in the sun, beaten with sticks to separate the seeds. Retains viability for 2 to 3 years if stored carefully.
Pretreatment : Soaking in cold water for 48 hours at room temperature; or immersing the seeds in hot water at 800C and allowing it to soak until cool; or keeping the seed in moist cowdung heap for 2 to 3 days; or in conc. H2SO2 for 10 to 14 minutes. Treated seeds should be sown immediately.
Nursery Technique : Seedlings are raised in polythene bags by sowing the treated seeds about 1.5 cms deep in April-May, Excess watering is avoided after 2 months. Shade is provided to avoid surface cracking.