Germination, Growth and Biomass Accumulation as Influenced by Seed Size in Mesua ferrea L.

Authors : A ARUNACHALAM, Ml KHAN, N D SINGH

Pages : 343-348

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Publication Date : 0000-00-00

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Mesua ferrea L. was evaluated for its germination, seedling growth and biomass across four seed size classes. The production of two- and three-seeded fruits was high. The viability of the seeds was 58-81%. Germination was positively correlated with seed weight. Heavier seeds showed early and rapid germination. The contribution of leaves to total biomass yield was 27-60 % in 1-month old seedlings. Carbon content was also related with plant length and weight in the seedlings. The study concludes that the variations in seed size have a substantial influence on growth and biomass accumulation in Mesua ferrea. Such variation also helps in the physiology and regeneration of the tree species.
Keywords : Biomass, Germination, Mesua ferrea, Seed weight, Tropical rain forest