M. Kiran*, K. Vidyasagaran, S. Gopakumar and C.M. Jijeesh
College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala-680656, India
Email: kiran-2019-27-003@student.kau.in
Received-02.11.2021, Revised-19.11.2021, Accepted-27.11.2021
Abstract: Memecylon talbotianum is an understory evergreen tree endemic to Western Ghats. Propagation of Memecylon species is mainly through seeds, but the very poor and delayed germination of fresh seeds is a major hurdle in planting stock production. The present study was formulated to improve the germination of this species by imparting nine seed pretreatments. Results indicated the presence of physiological dormancy in this species which was evident from the permeable seed coat and presence of differentiated embryo. Soaking of depulped seeds in water for 12 hours was the best pretreatmentwith superior germination (41.1%), Mean Daily Germination (0.44) and Peak Value (0.56). Thissimple and cheap treatment can be recommended for large scale planting stock production of this species. This study forms the first report on germination attributes of M. talbotianum and the data will contribute to ex situ conservation of this endemic plant.
Keywords: Germination, Memecylon talbotianum, Physiological dormancy, Pretreatments, Water soaking
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