Abstract
Terminalia bellirica Roxb., a versatile tree of ecological, medicinal, and sericultural significance, faces propagation constraints due to seed dormancy and poor germination. The paper examines the impact of varying pre-sowing, i.e., Hot Water Treatment (HWT), Overnight Soaking (OS), and Acid Treatment (AT), on seed viability, germination, and early seedling growth during semi-controlled nursery establishment at the Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam. The seeds treated under HWT conditions (80 °C, 10 min) had the highest percentage of germination (68.2), the quickest emergence (12.3 days), and a high seedling vigor index (893.4) compared to the other seed treatments (OS and AT). On the other hand, the control (untreated seeds) had 20% germination, which was very weak. Uniform growth was achieved through nursery management practices, including sterilized potting media, drip irrigation, shade nets, and integrated pest management. These results also indicate that pre-sowing thermal and hydration treatments substantially improve the efficiency of T. bellirica propagation, which has immense potential to extend its cultivation on a large scale for use in afforestation and the conservation of biodiversity, as well as in sericulture-based agro-forestry projects. Implementation of more efficient, streamlined nursery practices might be an important and significant help in improving seedling quality and thereby promoting sustainable rural survival.