Seed Maturity, Germination and Storage Studies on an Endemic Tree - Humboldtia decurrens Bedd. Ex Oliver

Seed studies of an endemic and vulnerable tree species, Humboldtia decurrens from Southern Western Ghats, were conducted to develop methods for propagation and germplasm conservation. Influence of ecological factors in the development of seeds were experimentally studied and found that those seeds of lower altitudes usually excels. Recalcitrant nature of the seeds was revealed by sensitiveness of seeds to loss of 10% moisture content and to chilling temperatures of 10 °C. Reduction of initial moisture content from 42% to 30% and subsequent storage in closed polycarbonate bottles at controlled conditions (20°C/20% RH) could prolong the viability of the seeds up to 4 months compared to few weeks in natural conditions. Germination trials at nursery level indicated the preference of seeds to mist chamber where maximum germination percentage and germination index of 68 and 1.9 respectively, were registered.