Germination of recalcitrant Baccaurea ramiflora seeds

ABSTRACT: Tolerance to desiccation in recalcitrant seeds depends on the genetic background and the developmental conditions of the seeds, both of which are relevant to harvest and storage for conservation purposes. The tropical south and south-east Asian species, Baccaurea ramiflora Lour., has recalcitrant seeds and is a locally important resource. We measured germination success and desiccation tolerance of B. ramiflora at different temperatures and light conditions for 76, 86, 96, and 106 days after anthesis to describe seed germination requirements and the relationship between seed development and desiccation tolerance of seeds for storage. We found that light is not an important factor in B. ramiflora seed germination, and that optimal seed germination conditions occur at 30/20 °C. During their development from 76–106 days after anthesis, seeds and their embryonic axes undergo changes in morphological characteristics, germination ability, moisture content, and desiccation tolerance. The best time for collection of B. ramiflora seeds for storage is around 96 days after anthesis, when desiccation tolerance is maximal.