Germination and storage characteristics of Prunus africana seeds |
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Authors: | Sacandé M Pritchard HW Dudley AE |
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Institution: | (1) C/o Centre National de Semences Forestières 01, BP 2682 Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso;(2) Seed Conservation Department, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Wakehurst Place, Ardingly, West Sussex, RH17 6TN, UK |
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Abstract: | Prunus africana, from the moist highlands of sub-Saharan Africa, is subject to great exploitation because its bark is used in the treatment of prostate-related diseases. A better understanding of the biology of its seed could help the ex situ and in situ conservation of the species. Fifty per cent of fresh seeds (46.8% MC) from mature purple fruits harvested in Kenya germinated after 10 days incubation at 25 °C. The germination rate was linearly related to constant temperature, giving a prediction for the minimum temperature for germination at ca. 0.6 °C. All seeds germinated at 5 °C during 4 months fully hydrated storage. P. africana seed is, thus, neither dormant nor chilling sensitive. The relationship between equilibrium moisture content and relative humidity was used to construct a sorption isotherm, against which seed desiccation and storage responses were assessed. Seventy six per cent of mature seeds survived drying to 4.5% MC (22% RH) compared to 17% of seeds from immature purple-green fruits. Although, 25–45% of mature seeds survived at 8–12% MC after 2 months, only 10% remained viable after 6-month storage at 5 °C. This study proposes optimum conditions for the artificial regeneration of P. africana seeds and highlights the need for further experiments storing dry seeds at sub-zero temperatures. |
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Keywords: | Lipids Storage longevity Temperature Tropical tree seeds Viability |
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