MOISTURE CONTENT AND TEMPERATURE EFFECT ON THE CONSERVATION AND GERMINATION OF Mimusops kummel SEEDS: AN EXPLORATORY DATA ANALYSIS

Currently, many tree species and their habitats are being threatened because of anthropogenic and climate changing factors. Thus, experiments about seed storage and germination responses of tree species are crucial for the identification of proper conservation methods. This study aims to identify proper seed pretreatments and examine the effect of moisture content (20.6, 7.06 and 3.7%), storage conditions (room temperature, +4◦C and −10◦C) and different storage periods over 12 months on the seed germination and storage behavior of Mimusops kummel A. DC. Seed germination significantly (P = .01) varied from 30% (hot water treatment) to 100% (sand sowing media). Significant effects of seed moisture content and storage temperature (P < .001) and the interaction effect of these two factors (P = .004) on seed germination and storage behavior were recorded. Although, the storage period had non-significant effect on the germination percentage of seeds, 3.7% moisture content and –10 °C temperature are the most appropriate levels of seed moisture and storage condition respectively for long-term storage. Likewise, for temporary storage, 7.06% seed moisture content and +4°C storage temperature are preferred. The seeds of M. kummel reveal orthodox storage behavior hence can be stored for a long time without losing its viability. The M. kummel seed shows non-physiological dormancy which means it can easily germinate in a controlled environment with the sand or filter paper media. The germination is also improved by cold storage.