Effects of Moisture Content and Storage Temperature on the Viability of Cedrus deodara Seeds
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Authors
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A.H. MUGHAL
Forest Tree Seed Laboratory, Division of Silviculture, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun 248 006 Division of Forestry, SKUAST(K), Shalimar, Kashmir 191 121
Author
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R.C. THAPLIYAL
Forest Tree Seed Laboratory, Division of Silviculture, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun 248 006 Division of Forestry, SKUAST(K), Shalimar, Kashmir 191 121
Author
Keywords:
Cedrus deodara, longevity, storage temperature, moisture contentAbstract
Seeds of deodar do not retain viability for more than one season under normal ambient temperature. Seeds were dried to three different moisture levels of 18, 14 and 10% and stored at four different temperatures of 30°, 15°, -5°C and ambient room temperature (which varied between 10° & 17°C) in sealed poly bags. Besides, one set of seeds with original moisture content was stored in open container at ambient room temperature. The survival curves show that the seeds stored at a temperature of -5°C with a moisture content of 10% retain viability even after 650 days from start of storage. An increase in storage temperature or seed moisture contents the viability period is negatively influenced. Viability recorded at 15°C storage temperature and that of seeds stored at room temperature was very close. However, storage at -5°C with a moisture content of 10% significantly eclipsed other combinations, thereby advocating storage of deodara seeds at lower temperatures (-5°C) with low moisture content (10%) and simultaneously proving it to be a seed of sub-orthodox nature. The longevity of seeds can be further improved by reducing the seed moisture and storing it at sub freezing temperature.
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References
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