The use of Tetrazolium chloride test to determine viability of Afrocarpus gracilior (Pilger) C.N. page (Podocarpaceae) seeds kept at different storage environments.
2000
Girma Balcha and Blyth,J.(Researchers)
The use of tetrazolium chloride test on viability determination of Afrocarpus gracilior seeds was studied at different storage environments. A factorial experiment of 4 moisture contents (6, 8, 11 and 15%) and 4 temperatures (-20, 4, 10 and 21oC) was used and the data were collected 4 time with an interval of three-month period. It was noted that a seed was either clearly stained pinkish-red or showed patchy or no staining at all. Seeds that were stained pinkish-red were recorded viable while those that showed uneven or no staining were interpreted non-viable. Seeds stored at 6 and 8% moisture content in combination with 4 and 10oC had the highest viably after a 12-month storage period indicating an intermediate seed storage behavior. At each temperature, viability decreased with an increase in moisture content. In t he tests after 3 and 6 months of storage, the effect of temperature was more significant than was moisture content. However, variations due to moisture content became more significant in the tests after 9 and 12 months of storage compared to the effect of temperature. Desiccation of the seed to a moisture content of 6% did not affect viability of the seeds. However, -20oC killed the seeds significantly during subsequent storage periods. Based on the results, the seeds of A. gracilior fit into an intermediate seed storage category, i.e. between storage behavior of species with orthodox and recalcitrant seeds.
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