Germination potential of toddy palm (Caryota urens), cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) and nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) seeds under in vivo conditions

Kithul (Caryota urens: Arecaceae), Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum: Zingiberaceae) and Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans: Myristaceae) are three species having great export potential in Sri Lanka. Due to the hard seed coat the germination potential of these species are low. Therefore a study was undertaken to explore possibilities of improving the seed germination through mechanical, physical and chemical treatments and to develop a cost effective and rapid seed germination method. C. urens seeds when treated with 50% HNO3 for 5 minutes recorded the highest germination (85%) followed by 30% HNO3 for 5 min. (77.5%) and tepid water for 24h (75%) as compared to untreated control (10%) and other treatments. Seeds of E. cardamomum treated with 50% H2SO4 for 5min recorded the highest germina- tion (65%) followed by 75% HNO3 for 10min (55%) and 75% HNO3 for 15min (45%). Nutmeg seeds treated with 0.5% KNO3 for 30 min. showed improved germination. The results obtained in this study will be useful for plant breeders and farmers who cultivate these species commercially.

Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension 15(4): 2012: page 115-118