Abstract:
The effect of different storage times and culture conditions on in-vitro germination was
studied by culturing the seeds on hormone free Murashige & Skoog, Anderson, Vitis
and Woody Plant Media with (lg/1) and without activated charcoal. To study in-vitro
growth performance of red sandalwood seedlings, germinated seeds were cultured on
hormone free MS, Anderson, and Woody Plant Media at full strength, incorporated
with 1 g/1 of activated charcoal. Suitable sterilization procedure was also selected. Dipping
pods in 0 .1% HgCb for 15 minutes was the most suitable surface sterilization procedure.
Seeds obtained from pods with >4 ?m in diameter showed a significantly
higher germination (90%) ability. Seeds cultured within one week of harvest showed
the highest germination (96%) and shortest germination time (6 days). Germination
percentage was significantly higher (92%) in Anderson medium (without charcoal)
and lower germinations were recorded with other three media. Seeds cultured on
Anderson, Vitis and woody plant media took almost 6-8 days for germination. Seeds
cultured on Vitis medium (with charcoal) showed the longest hypocotyl length (13.8
mm), while highest plant height (9.9 cm) and number of nodes (7 nodes / shoot) were
recorded for seedlings in woody plant medium. Leaf formation was optimum in woody
plant medium, and the average leaf diameter was 10.8 mm. The highest mean score for
the appearance of the plant was recorded in woody plant medium (3.8). Therefore,
Anderson medium was suited for in-vitro establishment of red sandalwood seeds. However,
after seed germination, for further growth of seedlings, germinated seeds should
be transferred to Anderson medium incorporated with Ig /1 of activated charcoal.
