Termite-aided Mesocarp Removal of Teak (Tectona grandis L.F) Fruits for Enhanced Germination and Cost-effective Seed Handling

Termite-aided mesocarp removal of Teak fruits is an efficient pre-sowing treatment for early and enhanced germination. For termite-treatment, fruits were left heaped in open-ground infested with subterranean termites (Odontotermes guptai) and supplemented with dry twigs and sufficient moisture. The termites ate away entire mesocarp within 13 days leaving behind fruits with stony endocarp. Cumulative germination at 20 days after sowing in termite-treated fruits was 10.7% as compared to 3% in alternate wetting and drying (weathering) treatment for 13 days; at 45 days the corresponding figures were 45% and 17.3% respectively. Mesocarp removal also reduced seed bulk and weight considerably; when mesocarp was removed, the seed volume reduced to 33% and the seed weight to 61%. Reduction in bulk and weight reduces the seed handling costs.