Terminalia alata - Cambodia Tree Seed Project

No
1
2
Moisture
content
11.66%
Table 1 - Results of Pretreatment Test
Pretreatment Test Date First germination check
Date
Germination
Soak in 60°C water
and leave to cool
over night
Soak in normal
water over night
14/ 01 /
2004
02/02/2004
(17 days after
sowing)
16% 37%
19% 46%
Germination
Picture 3 - Germination of T.alata
Picture 4 - Fruit coats swell, then seedlings develop
Conclusion: The results indicate the most appropriate pretreatment method for seed of this
species is soaking in normal water over night. This allows the fruit coat to swell during water uptake and
to release the seed.
2-2-Storage trial:
The fruit was kept in the seed lab for some days, and underwent viability tests, before being
divided into two groups, for storage under two conditions: ambient room and cool room at 10°C. Results
are presented in Table 2.
Table 2 – Results of Storage Trial
Period of storage Condition of storage Moisture content Germination Remark
(%)
rate (%)
1 month
10°C 9.98 37
Ambient 9.78 37.5
6 months
10°C 9.18 21
Ambient 10.06 20
12 months
10°C 7.61 25
Ambient 9.13 35
Conclusion: Fruit can be stored for over a year in either condition.
e) Comment for seed procurement: Fruit should be collected at the end of December and early
January. It can be collected from the ground, but if a large amount is to be collected, it is better to clear
the ground of shrubs and grass, then the tree can be shaken and mature fruit. To avoid bulky transport,
wing could be de-winged. Seed should be soaked overnight in normal water and sown into nursery beds.
Fruit can be stored in a closed plastic bag in the shade.