Effect of storage temperature and dormancy-breaking treatments on seed germination, moisture content and seed vigor in gum karaya (Sterculia urens Roxb.)

Abstract

Sterculia urens is a commercially important tree with wide applications. Although it reproduces by seed, its germination requirements are not known. The seed also suffers with dormancy. The present study is an attempt to understand the proper storage conditions and also the type of dormancy in seeds of Sterculia urens. The optimum temperature for storage of seeds was found to be 0–4°C in a polythene bag which retained the required moisture content of seed for germination. The treatment with phytohormones showed maximum increase in germination percentage followed by acid and mechanical scarification, suggesting both physical and physiological dormancy in seeds of Sterculia urens. © 2012 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.