The effects of desiccation on the germination, moisture content and moisture characteristics of Citrus suhuiensis seeds
2003
Makeen, M.A. | Jane, J. | Normah, M.N. | Clyde, M.M.
An experiment was carried out using seeds of Citrus suhuiensis cv. Limau langkat and Citrus suhuiensis cv. Limau madu to determine the effects of seed desiccation on germination for cryopreservation and radiosensitivity purposes. Two methods of desiccation were used, the lab bench method and the saturated salt method. For the lab bench method seeds were desiccated for different periods of time while in the saturated salt method various saturated salt solutions with different relative humidity tested for seed desiccation. After sowing the desiccated seeds results showed that desiccation did in fact have an effect on germination, moisture content and moisture characteristic. The decrease in moisture content of the seeds reduced the viability of the seeds as well as prolonged the germination period in both cultivars. The seeds can be desiccated to as low moisture as 0.04-0.05 g H20/g dw seed (3.6-4.9 % on fresh wt. basis). The water sorption isotherms exhibit sigmoid-shaped curve characteristics of the orthodox seeds.
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