Studies on habitat survey and seed germination of Shorea tumbuggaia ROXB. A globally threatened medicinal tree taxon of seshachalam biosphere reserve of India

Abstract

Shorea tumbuggaia Roxb. a globally threatened medicinal tree taxon is valued for its economic and pharmaceutical properties. Natural resurgence of this species is poor. The plant is propagated naturally through seeds. To improve the amplification of the species, seed germination studies were carried out. The habitat survey revealed that the more number of plants are available on Tirumala hills when compared to Talakona valley. The seed viability test indicated that is very high 92 percentage of seed viability in freshly produced seeds, in vivo seed germination was recorded upto 60% only in different soils.The growth of lengthy embryonal axis before shedding the seeds from plant is considered to be an adaptive strategy for seedlings to over come the hard rocky environment prior to establishment. The capacity of seed germination and establishment, growth and development of seedling was found to be vigorous in open conditions when compared with that of shaded seedlings. Whereas 100% seed germination was recorded in in vitro germinated seeds. In order to continue their existence, it requires powerful conservation procedure to achieve quick and reliable seed germination would be a valuable asset.