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Study on the Development of Seed Storage Technique for Sonneratia Apetala

M. N. Sadath
Assistant Professor
Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh

A. K. F. Hoque
Professor
Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Mangroves are one of the most productive ecosystems in the world and of great importance due to their protective values. It is particularly important for Bangladesh as a shelterbelt against natural calamities. Sonneratia mangroves, particularly Sonneratia apetala are an important component of mangrove ecosystems in Bangladesh. Despite low timber value, as a mangrove pioneer and in the context of the Government's continued effort in mangrove afforestation, Sonneratia apetala remains a very important species in Bangladesh. Achievement in raising S. apetala plantations is based on traditional knowledge. Strict seasonality in seed production and the absence of seed storage technique poses a great hindrance to the afforestation program. This study revealed that S. apetala seeds are not recalcitrant and dried seeds can be stored. The analysis did not show any significant impact of drying period on germination, (f=0.62 P<0.05) however generally higher germination success was observed with better-dried seeds. Germination success significantly varied with the length of storage time (F= 7.80; P < 0.05 df 22,8) and exhibited a strong negative correlation (r² - 0.877, P<0.05). During this study, temperature condition was a critical factor that could not be controlled. With the progress of the study, seasonal air temperature began to fall and this might have influenced germination success.

Keywords: Mangrove, Seed Storage, Air dry, Oven dry, Germination percentage, Salinity

Location: Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Postharvest and Agro-processing

Commodity: Seed storage

Objectives:

The development of a seed storing technique could remove the restrictions posed by the seasonality of seed supply and could be mitigated the impact of natural calamity. Considering the above, this study was undertaken to develop a seed storage technique for Sonneratia apetala to support a large-scale coastal afforestation program in Bangladesh.

Methodology:

Materials and Methods Drying has been recognized as one of the important ways of storing seeds. Several methods-sun drying, oven drying and forced air-drying used to dry seeds. Seeds can be dried chemically (by using desiccants), using refrigeration technique, drying at high temperature in the incubator and by forced air. Chemical drying might affect the seed quality. Mangroves are sensitive to low temperature (Chapman 1976) thus refrigeration techniques might be detrimental to seeds. Quick-drying at a very high temperature might also kill the seeds. Thus, seeds were dried relatively slowly in an incubator at 40°C and air-dried at room temperature (34°C).

Fruit collection Fruits were collected from Karanjol, Chadpai Range of the Sundarbans Mangrove forest in late September. Fruits were collected by climbing healthy trees. Seeds were extracted following the conventional method. Fruits were heaped for about 20 days to allow rotting of the fleshy mesocarp. Rotten fruits are then rubbed into a pulp and washed in water to separate the seed. After extraction of seeds, they were been treated with different drying techniques for storage.

Treatments for Seed storage: Air drying: 20 g of seeds spread on a tray for air drying which was kept upon for 2 days in the shade at room temperature (34°C). The initial moisture content of the seed was 342.96%. After drying for 2 days it was 88.26%. Oven drying: Seeds were dried in the oven to different moisture content. Each of the samples contained 20gm of seed. In the oven, a constant 40°C temperature was maintained and different lots of seeds were dried for different lengths of time and thus to different moisture contents. The moisture content of seeds was determined at the constant oven-dry weight. Seeds were dried up at 5 different moisture levels before storing. The seeds were dried in an oven for 4, 5, 6, land 8 days to moisture contents 70.54%, 66.51%, 66.00%, 62.23%, and 62.12% respectively. Seeds were maintained in airtight condition in a desiccator.

Storage performance test: A germination test was carried out in freshwater conditions. About 75 seeds were taken from each category at a time and were sown on germination medium, 25 each in three replications. The germination medium was of coarse sand and water. To avoid desiccation after sowing, freshwater was added in droplets after every 4 hours. The test was initiated in the first week of October and continued up to 2'd half of January. During this period seeds were sown in petridishes at 15 days intervals. Data on germination success was recorded at 24 hours intervals. While counting germination, germinated seedlings were removed from petridishes to minimize the difficulties of counting small seedlings and avoid ant damage. The data were analyzed using a suitable statistical package.

Source of Information: South Asian J. Aaric., 2007, 2(I &2): 85-88 ISSN 1991-0037

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

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Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The study reveals that S. apetala seeds can be stored in dried conditions. However, due to poor laboratory support, observations of this study regarding the impact of drying and storage time on germination should be considered very cautiously. Future studies should aim at determining critical moisture content to keep seeds viable, determination of critical temperature that might cause seed mortality during drying, testing efficiency of different drying techniques, and the impact of storage time on germination success.

Knowledge Management: Journal