Vol.10. Nos.3 - 4 (2011) pp.123-130
Title:

Longevity of Rattan (Calamus longisetus Griff.) seeds

Authors:Chandrasekhara Pillai, P.K; Varun Menon, R

Abstract:Storage conditions have significant impact on the seed longevity of rattans. Fruits of Calamus longisetus from the Palmetum of Kerala Forest Research Institute were used to assess seed longevity. Since seeds are valuable resources for propagation and conservation, it becomes a necessity to sustain their viability for a long period. After processing, fresh seeds were sown in vermiculite to understand germination pattern. Remaining seeds were stored under following conditions to study their longevity: 1) seeds in single polythene bag kept at ambient condition (T0); 2) single polythene bag kept in sacks filled with saw-dust at 4°C (T1); 3) double polythene bag kept in sacks filled with saw-dust at 4°C (T2); 4) cotton bag kept in sacks filled with saw-dust at 4°C (T3). Fresh seeds had 57.5% germination. Seed viability under T1 and T2 conditions maintained up to 8 months with 71.5, 69.5% germination, respectively as against T0 where the viability maintained only up to 2 months with 49.5% germination. Under T3 condition, viability was only up to 6 months with 50% germination. Variation in viability under different conditions was highly significant (p<0.01). The study concluded that polythene bag with 0.05 mm thickness is the best container for storing rattan seeds. The media for storing the seeds in polythene bags is saw-dust and the optimum temperature for the storage is 4°C. Seed longevity could be extended for about 8 months; hence, seeds can be collected as much as possible to use for establishing plantations or shipping them to other places.

Keywords:Calamus longisetus, germination, seed longevity, storage, viability

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