Seed Morphology and Germination Studies on Carpinus viminea for Conservation in North-Western Himalaya
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Authors
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SHIV PAUL
Himachal Regional Centre, Mohal-Kullu, Himachal Pradesh - 175126, India
Author
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SS SAMANT
Himachal Regional Centre, Mohal-Kullu, Himachal Pradesh - 175126, India
Author
Keywords:
Carpinus viminea, Multipurpose, Rare, Seed Morphology, Seed Germination, Viability, North Western Himalaya, ConservationAbstract
Carpinus viminea (Himalayan Hornbeam) is one of the rare and multipurpose tree species of the Indian Himalayan Region. Over-exploitation for fuel, fodder and house building, habitat degradation and poor regeneration of species may lead to the extirpation of species. Therefore, seed morphology, seed viability and seed germination were investigated. Seeds were collected from Kanawar (2244m), Kandhi (1952m) and Khokhan (1472m) populations in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. They were dried for a week at room temperature and stored at 4º C in refrigerator. Tetrazolium test was used for the seed viability. The stored seeds were treated with gibberellic acid (GA3 15, 25 and 35µM), indole acetic acid (IAA 15, 25 and 35µM) and potassium nitrate (KNO3 130, 150 and 170mM). Maximum seed viability (80.0%, each) was recorded in Kanawar and Kandhi populations. 1000 seed weight increases with the increase in altitude. Maximum seed length (4.19±0.05mm), 1000 seeds weight (9.2gm), seed width (3.10±0.02mm) and seed thickness (1.92±0.02) were recorded in Kanawar population. Therefore, seeds collected from Kanawar population were selected for germination. In control condition, seed germination and Mean Germination Time (MGT) was poor. Treatments applied to the seeds improved germination % significantly (F = 14.793, p<0.001) over control. Highest germination percentage (76.67%) was achieved in GA3 35µM and KNO3 130 mM. Minimum time for first seed germination (11days) was observed in KNO3 170 mM and minimum MGT (13.31 days) was observed in KNO3 150 mM. Therefore, regular monitoring and complete protection of habitats for in-situ conservation are suggested. Seed germination protocol developed can be used for mass multiplication of species and establishment and maintenance of seedlings in suitable habitat (in-situ condition) need to be encouraged with the help of local inhabitants and Forest Department.
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