Induce Seed Germination of Veralu (Elaeocarpus serratus L.)

Abstract

Veratu (Elaeocarpus serratus L: Elaeocarpaceae) is an underutilized fruit tree which is indigenous to Sri Lanka. The fruits are high in starch and sugar and have low amounts of protein and iron. It may help treat dirrrhoea due to its constipating effect. Due to the hard seed coat germination potential of this cultivar is very low and it takes more than 12 months In natural conditions. Therefore a study was undertaken to explore possibilities of improving the seed germination through mechanical, physical and chemical treatments and to develop a cost effective and rapid seed germination method. Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with four replicates and 10 seeds for a replicate was used for the study. Seeds of Veralu were treated with 29 different treatments and data were analyzed using SAS program (9.1.3). Veralu seeds when treated with 50% HN03 for 15 minutes recorded the highest seed germination (6 seedlings out of 40 seeds) followed by 75% HN03 for 15min (1.9 seedlings/40 seeds) and 25% JHN03 for 15min (1 seedling/40 seeds) compared to untreated control (0%) and other treatments during eight months. The results obtained in this study will be useful for plant breeders and farmers who cultivate underutilized fruit species commercially as a fniit/vegetable crop or an ornamental crop.