Storage of recalcitrant seeds of four tropical species.
Corbineau F., Côme D.
Author Affiliation: Laboratoire de Physiologie des Organes Végétaux après Récolte, CNRS, 92190 Meudon, France.
Seed Science and Technology 16 : 97-103
Abstract : The effects of dry and wet storage on the survival of seeds of Shorea roxburghii, Hopea odorata, Mangifera indica and Symphonia globulifera were studied. In all cases germination occurred most readily at relatively high temperatures (optimum at 25° or 30°C), but H. odorata and M. indica seeds could germinate between 5 and 35°. The seeds of the 4 species were relatively high in moisture and died quickly upon dehydration. They appeared to be typical recalcitrant seeds. Wet storage of the seeds or seedlings was difficult since chilling injury occurred if the temperature was too low. At temperatures that do not result in chilling injury, seedling growth was too fast to allow prolonged storage of seedlings, except those of S. globulifera.