DORMANCY MECHANISM AND EFFECTS OF TREATMENTS ON THE GERMINATION OF GARCINIA GUMMI-GUTTA (CLUSIACEAE) SEEDS

Abstract

Garcinia gummi-gutta (Syn. Garcinia cambogia) is normally propagated by seeds.
Germination is uneven and occurs over six to nine months period which results in differentially-aged seedlings. Experiments were conducted to overcome dormancy both by chemical and mechanical methods. There was no response of seeds pretreated with petroleum ether, methanol or hydrogen peroxide. When seeds were decoated, 100% germination occurred in three months. Uniform germination of decoated seeds in different concentrations of pulp (barring the incidence of 40% seed mortality due to fungal attack) and water and methanol extracts of seed coat indicated the absence of chemical inhibitors. Positive results of decoating and acid scarification confirmed the role of seed coat in governing seed dormancy. Nicking of seeds dried in shade for 15 days was an effective method for raising even-aged, agronomically-sound seedlings in village nurseries.