Effect of GA₃ Application on the Germination of 5-Year Stored Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.)

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) is a leguminous crop originating from North Africa, valued for its high protein and carbohydrate content, as well as its ability to adapt to marginal environments. These characteristics make it a promising candidate to support food and nutritional security, particularly in tropical regions. However, its cultivation and seed quality management remain limited, requiring strategies to improve germination and seedling establishment. Gibberellic acid (GA₃) is a plant growth regulator widely known to stimulate seed germination and enhance vigor. This study aimed to assess the effect of GA₃ on the germination performance of Bambara groundnut seeds stored for five years. Three genotypes (SS 3.4.2, BBL 1.1, and TVSU 8.6) were treated with GA₃ at concentrations of 0, 75, 150, and 225 ppm, and germination and vigor parameters were evaluated. The results showed that GA₃ application improved the performance of aged seeds, with 225 ppm identified as the most effective dose. Genotype SS 3.4.2 responded particularly well at this concentration, while BBL 1.1 consistently exhibited superior overall performance across treatments. These findings highlight the potential of GA₃ to mitigate the adverse effects of seed aging and enhance seedling establishment. The application of GA₃ represents a practical approach for improving the viability of stored seeds.