Extension of Seed Longevity of Myristica malabarica Lam. by Optimizing Storage conditions

Author: Suresh Kumar K.A., Anilkumar C., Ajithkumar K.G., Prajith T.M. and Amritha V.V.

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Abstract

Myristica malabarica is an evergreen arborescent species of the family Myristicaceae. As a major floral component of a unique but degrading ecosystem in the Western Ghats called Myristica swamp, this species is enlisted by IUCN as vulnerable. The seeds of M. malabarica are recalcitrant in nature and lost its viability within a few days of shed in normal conditions. The sensitivity of the seeds to desiccation and lower temperature imposes constraints in seeds storage for longer period. In the present study, the fresh seeds of M. malabarica were stored in three treatments (T) with different temperatures and relative humidity (RH) such as T1 (10±2°C and 25±2 % RH), T2 (18±2°C and 50±2 % RH) and T3 (10±2°C and 80±2 % RH). More than 50% of seeds kept in T1 and T3 conditions lost viability after 15 and 30 days respectively of storage (DoS), whereas T2 treatment was effective to extends the seed viability to 90 days. The seeds kept in open plastic trays at laboratory conditions (28 ± 2°C and 65 ± 2 % RH) was taken as control (C). Seed viability was tested by various parameters like seed germination, electrolyte conductivity, Total Dissolved Solutes (TDS), Dehydrogenase activity (DHA) and the level of total phenolic compounds and proline amino acid in the embryo. Data was analysed and presented correspond to means ± standard error. DMRT was carried out with SPSS, version 13.0 software. All treatments consisted of five replicates. The storage studies of M. malabarica was challenging due to their high oil content, which makes them susceptible to rancidity and fungal growth. Maintaining optimal moisture content of seed, insect and pest infestations, determination the optimal storage temperature and humidity were other major challenges during this study. The results indicate that M. malabarica seed viability can be prolonged for up to 90 days if they are stored under optimal conditions of 18 ± 2°C temperature and 50 ± 2 % RH.

Keywords

Myristica malabarica, recalcitrant seed, Relative Humidity (RH), Leachate Conductivity (LC), Total Dissolved Solute (TDS), Dehydrogenase activity (DHA), Sterilised Distilled Water (SDW), Critical Moisture Temperature (CMC)

Conclusion

The main propagation material of M. malabarica is the seed. However, the sensitivity of recalcitrant seeds towards desiccation and freezing temperature while storing poses a major limitation to germplasm conservation. To overcome this hurdle, the seeds of M. malabarica can be stored under specific conditions of 18 ± 2°C and 50 ± 2 % RH. This recommended storage condition not only minimizes the limitations of seed storage but also proves to be a cost-effective method for the germplasm preservation of M. malabarica, thereby extending its seed longevity.

References

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How to cite this article

Suresh Kumar K.A., Anilkumar C., Ajithkumar K.G., Prajith T.M. and Amritha V.V. (2023). Extension of Seed Longevity of Myristica malabarica Lam. by Optimizing Storage Conditions. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(4): 155-161.