An assessment of the potential of long-term storage of pemphis acidula J.R. Forst. & G. Forst. “Bantigue” (Family Lythraceae) seeds pre-treated under different relative humidity conditions

• Main Author: De Leon, Miguel Lorenzo Z.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2022
• Subjects: Lythraceae; Biology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etdb_bio/22
• Institution: De La Salle University

Pemphis acidula J.R. Forst. & G. Forst. is a salt-loving small tree growing on rocky shores in the Philippines. It is considered as a threatened species due to overcollection by the ornamental plant industry. Coupled with the threat of global warming and other natural disasters and the destruction of their habitat for coastal development, conservation of the species is necessary. This study intended to re-examine the effects of desiccation or seed moisture content and the potential of long-term storage of seeds of Pemphis acidula as a form of ex-situ conservation. Specifically, it aimed to reassess the potential of long-term storage of Pemphis acidula pre-treated under different relative humidity conditions conducted under three sequential or phased-experiments. The seeds were stored at 20%, 50%, and 80% relative humidity for 30 days. Germination studies were then conducted after the 30-day period, after the seeds were stored for 12 months, and after 3 years. The germination percentage and the speed of germination parameters were obtained to answer the research objectives. It was determined that the drier the seed, the higher the percentage of germination over time as indicated by the Final Germination Percentage (FGP). With regards to the speed of germination, drying the seeds to a low moisture content is ideal for short-term storage as indicated by the Mean Germination Time (MGT) and the Coefficient of Velocity or Rate of Germination (CRG). This suggests that seeds germinate faster when pre-stored at a low relative humidity. Likewise, The Germination Rate Index (GRI) is highest at 20% RH regardless of length of storage period. The main gauge, however, is the Germination Index (GI) as it takes into account both the germination percentage and the speed of germination. The GI is highest at 20% RH for a storage period of 1 to 3 years. This implies that Pemphis acidula seeds yield a better overall germination when desiccated to a low moisture content. The results also indicate that the length of storage can affect the viability of the seeds of Pemphis acidula under certain conditions. It seems that for short-term storage seeds may have greater germination performance even with high moisture content. Conversely, for long-term storage, drier seeds can perform better.