Developing a general protocol for the propagation of Corymbia citriodora

After collection, seeds must be processed by drying or deopulping, extraction of the seed from the fruit, cleaning, and fumigation. Fruits that were newly collected normally have high moisture content (MC) thus should be stored properly as it is susceptible to molds. Another necessary part of processing newly collected C. citriodora fruits was drying. Drying was most effective when there was low humidity, continuous air circulation, and a temperature that ensured seed viability. The simplest method of drying was by spreading the harvested crop on a mat in full sunlight. Factors such as the degree of fruit maturity and weather conditions affected the time required for natural drying. It was also crucial to prevent contamination from foreign seeds. Extracting the seeds can be done manually, mechanically, or in combination. Manual shaking of the fruit or sieving was one way to extract the seeds but the fruits should by fully opened before shaking or sieving. Among the methods of cleaning that also included blowing and winnowing the seed followed by gravity separation, sieving was the most effective method for C. citriodora besides being the accessible cleaning method available in the field. On the other hand, winnowing was required if sieves were not available. The seed lots of C. citriodora differed in germination was achieved under moist, warm conditions (25 deg - 30 deg C was optimal in the laboratory) and when light was present. Although successful, direct seeding was relatively unreliable hence, not generally recommended given that weather conditions and presence of weeds affect germination. Instead, containerized planting stock was preferred. The pests infesting C. citriodora varied depending on where it was grown. It was generally very palatable to snails that attack the potted seedlings particularly during nighttime. As a protective measure, rice hull was spread around seedling plots. Aside from snails, it was also prone to termites. Carbosulfan, which was a non-persistent carbonate insecticide, was used as an effective substitute to the dangerous pesticides formerly used. Other insects and a stem borer were also observed to cause occasional damage to the plants. As for disease problems, these can be controlled through good hygiene, reducing watering and shade, and allowing good ventilation.