Germination potential of toddy palm (caryota urens), cardamom (elettaria cardamomum) and nutmeg (myristica fragrans) seeds under in vivo conditions

Abstract

Kithul (Caryota urens: Arecaceae), Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum: Zingiberaceae) and Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans: Myristaceae) are three species having great export potential in Sri Lanka. Due to the hard seed coat the germination potential of these species are low. 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. C. urens seeds when treated with 50% HNO3 for 5 minutes recorded the highest germination (85%) followed by 30% HNO3 for 5 min. (77.5%) and tepid water for 24h (75%) as compared to untreated control (10%) and other treatments. Seeds of E. cardamomum treated with 50% H2SO4 for 5min recorded the highest germination (65%) followed by 75% HNO3 for 10min (55%) and 75% HNO3 for 15min (45%). Nutmeg seeds treated with 0.5% KNO3 for 30 min. showed improved germination. The results obtained in this study will be useful for plant breeders and farmers who cultivate these species commercially.