REGENERATION OF <em>HOPEA</em> <em>PONGA</em> : INFLUENCE OF WING LOADING AND VIABILITY OF SEEDS

Abstract

Studies on wing loading and vertical settling time of Hopea ponga did not indicate a direct correlation between the two factors. Germination studies of H. ponga showed 96% germination of the seeds sown immediately after collection, which decreased through time with desiccation. After 12 days of storage, seeds lost 39% of the initial moisture content and were not viable; thus the recalcitrant behaviour of the seeds is established. The higher germination percentage in heavier and lighter seeds may be responsible for clumped formations and invasion into newer areas respectively.