Germination Status and Determination of Nursery Seedling Production for <i>Ficus vasta</i> Forssk

Ficus vasta plays a vital role in Ethiopian ecosystems by promoting biodiversity, improving soil stability, and regulating microclimates. However, it is presently unmanaged and faces challenges in regeneration due to poor seed germination, often requiring assistance from animals. Ongoing challenges in seed handling, storage, and nursery management combined with deforestation and land use changes intensify the species’ unmanaged status and contribute to the decline of its natural habitat. This study aimed to assess the effects of pre-sowing treatments on the germination of F. vasta seeds and to identify the optimal timing for nursery seedling production. The research was conducted at the Sekota Dryland Agricultural Research Laboratory and Woleh nursery, utilizing five pre-sowing treatments: soaking seeds in cold water for 12 and 24 hours, hot water for 5 and 12 minutes, and a control group of untreated seeds. The nursery experiment evaluated seedlings at 24, 21, 18, and 15 months. The findings indicated that soaking seeds in cold water for 12 and 24 hours resulted in over 80-90% germination within 10 to 11 days. At 21 months, the seedlings showed significant growth, with average measurements of 32.48 cm in height, 0.60 cm in root collar diameter, and 13.85 cm in leaf length. Dry biomass analysis demonstrated significant differences in leaf, stem, and root biomass (p < 0.001). The seedlings at 21 months exhibited the best growth performance, including a root-to-shoot ratio of 2.1:1. Therefore, it is recommended to soak seeds in cold water for 12 to 24 hours to improve germination rates and promote early seedling development. The seedlings also should be stayed for 21 months to get quality and vigor seedlings for field plantation.