Breaking Seed Dormancy and Genderwise Dimorphic Differentiation in Garcinia gummi-gutta Var. Gummigutta (L.) Rob.

Garcinia gummi-gutta var. gummigutta (L) Rob. is a polygamodioecious tree indigenous to India remained neglected even though they are highly valued in South Indian cuisine and in traditional systems of medicine. Poor seed germination and breaking the prolonged seed dormancy could achieve within 7 days by in vitro inoculation of ¾ mature seed on to ½ MS basal medium. Genetic basis for sex specificities in sexually dimorphic plant species could identify by isozyme analysis of esterase using PAGE and DNA finger prints using RAPD-PCR techniques. RAPD screening using 35 random primers has identified the female specific KIT-C 14 and KIT-C 15 oligonucleotide decamer primers. Enhanced germination per cent with breaking seed dormancy and gender dimorphism at juvenile stage would bring about a revolutionary gallop for the extensive cultivation of Malabar tamarind or kodampuli under the homestead cropping system and massive afforestation programme.