Effect of seed size and storage on the germination of Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson: Forsberg)

Abstract

A study was designed to assess the effect of seed size and storage on the germination of Artocarpus altilis seeds. Six fallen pods were collected under the mother tree and seed length (cm) and diameter (cm) measured while germination treatments were fresh intact seeds (FIS), separated into six pod origin, A, B, C, E, F, and G pods (control), testa removed seeds (TRS), 1day storage (1DS), 7days storage (7DS), and 14 days storage (14DS) in a completely randomized experimental design. The results showed that there is a significant difference (p<0.05) in seed length and diameter among the pods studied. There was however no significant difference (p>0.05) in dormancy period, number of days to complete germination, germination capacity (%), germination speed and uniformity of germination. Testa removal however improved germination of Artocarpus altilis seeds. Furthermore storage negatively affected the germination of the seeds while immediate sowing after processing of fresh seeds improved germination. Arthocarpus altilis seeds are therefore recalcitrant and will require the establishment of field genebanks to preserve and conserve the species germplasm. Moreover to propagate the plant from seed care must be taken to select large seeds so as to improve the quality of seedlings produced.

Keyword: Germination, seed, germplasm, conservation, preservation