Collection, germination and storage of seeds of Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Willd

Publication date: Available online 1 November 2019Source: Journal of Applied Research on Medicinal and Aromatic PlantsAuthor(s): Maitreyee Kundu, Shweta Tiwari, Manisha HaldkarAbstractSaraca asoca (Roxb.) Willd. is an important tropical medicinal and ornamental species which has been threatened due to over-exploitation. Developmental changes, germination, and longevity of seeds were studied to ensure better collection, germination and storage of seeds to assist propagation of this species. Seeds were harvested at different developmental stages and fresh and dry mass, moisture content, germination and desiccation tolerance were evaluated to determine the best collection time. Fresh seeds were allowed to germinate at 15 to 55 °C to find out the optimum temperature for their germination. Seeds were stored to evaluate their longevity at different conditions. During maturation, dry weight of seed reached the maximum at 89 days after anthesis (DAA) after that no change in dry weight was observed till its shedding at 112 DAA. The seeds achieved mass maturity at 89 DAA following a short maturation drying phase. All seeds germinated at 79 DAA when about 64% dry weight was accumulated in seed. They were desiccation sensitive at all stages of maturity, but maximum drying tolerance was achieved 105 DAA onwards. The seeds showed no dormancy. It could germinate at 15 to 50 °C, and completed germination within 25 days at 30 to 50 °C. The time required to complete germination increa...
Source: Journal of Applied Research on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants - Category: Complementary Medicine Source Type: research