Effects of Collection Date and Tree Diameter Class on the Germination Behaviour of Axle Wood (Anogeissus latifolia Wall.) Seeds

Axle wood (Anogeissus latifolia Wall.), a principal forest tree species of the sub-tropical and tropical forest ecosystems was used to study the effect of collection dates and diameter classes on per cent viability, insect pest infestation and germination attributes of its seeds. Diameter classes only influenced the viability status and insect-pest infestation significantly. In the diameter classes, maximum viability (33.67%), per cent germination (1.73%), germination energy (1.20) and germination value (0.158), and minimum insect-pest infestation (5.87%) was recorded in 21-30 cm diameter. The collection dates significantly influenced all the studied traits, excepting germination value. Maximum per cent germination (2.00%), germination energy (1.33%) and germination value (0.145%), irrespective of tree-diameter class was recorded in seeds collected in the 2nd half of March. Therefore, from the present investigation it can be concluded that under Himachal Pradesh conditions, seeds should be collected during the 2nd half of March, from 21-30 cm diameter class for realizing maximum germination potential.