THE EFFECT OF SEED MATURATION STAGES, DESICCATION AND PRETREATMENT METHODS ON GERMINATION LEVELS OF GARCINIA HUILLENSIS WEL. EXE OLIV

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess factors affecting seed germination of Garcinia huillensis Wel. Exe Oliv, a multipurpose indigenous tree species. Parameters considered were optimum maturity stage using fruit colour, seed desiccation tolerance levels and different pre-treatments. As with other indigenous trees species, there is paucity of data with regards to domestication and propagation techniques hence this study. Fresh fruits were collected from Chikala Hills and categorized based on the Royal Society Horticultural Colour Chart into four colour codes. There were six pre-treatments and the experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design. Fruit maturity colour results showed that seed moisture content (%) decreased (P≤0.05) from deep green (55.0±0.16) to golden yellow (35.3±2.70). Seed desiccation results showed that greenish yellow (96.75±8.71) and yellow (92.70±9.02) had the highest germination (%) levels. Decoating and decoating plus soaking in cold water for 12 hours were the most effective pretreatments that enhanced germination. Based on this study, it is recommended that G. huillensis fruits should be collected when the colour is greenish yellow or yellow with moisture content not less than 15%. In addition, seeds should be pre-treated by decoating or decoating and soaking in cold water for 12 hours to enhance germination. Further studies should focus on seed provenances, ecology of insect pests and comparative seed storage conditions that enhance seed longevity.