Desiccation and the storability of desiccation-sensitive seeds of a dipterocarp species, Hopea odorata

Nashatul Zaimah N. A., . and Nor Rashidah M., . and Nadiah Salmi N., . and Nurul Farhanah Z., . and Ahmad Fathul Ilmi A.Z., . (2023) Desiccation and the storability of desiccation-sensitive seeds of a dipterocarp species, Hopea odorata. International Journal of Agriculture, Forestry and Plantation (Malaysia), 13. pp. 185-191. ISSN 2462-1757

Some species, particularly trees, may not be able to be preserved due to sensitive seeds to desiccation. In this paper, the influence of seed moisture content and storage conditions on the germination of Hopea odorata seeds, a tropical forest species was explored. The first part of the study aimed to identify the effect of desiccation on the germination of these seeds. Seeds were dried down to several moisture content levels in silica gel: 40.1%, 39.8%, 34.9%, 32.0%, 21.7%, and 16.1%. The initial moisture content of fresh H. odorata seeds were 45.6% with 100% germination. Reduction of moisture content level to 40.1%, 39.8%, and 34.9% did not affect germination percentage, where germination percentages were maintained at 100%. However, the desiccation of H. Odorata seeds from 32.0% to 21.7% moisture content reduced germination from 96 to 50%. No germination (0%) was detected once the seeds were further desiccated to 16.1%. From this observation, the estimated lowest safe moisture content (LSMC) for H. Odorata was 32.0% and was desiccation sensitive as expected for recalcitrant seeds. In the second experiment, winged and de-winged seeds were stored under different temperatures and durations; with the presence of vermiculite. Results obtained revealed that the most effective way to store H. odorata seeds is at 20°C for 5 weeks with the wings removed; where 98% of the seeds germinated.

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Abstract

Some species, particularly trees, may not be able to be preserved due to sensitive seeds to desiccation. In this paper, the influence of seed moisture content and storage conditions on the germination of Hopea odorata seeds, a tropical forest species was explored. The first part of the study aimed to identify the effect of desiccation on the germination of these seeds. Seeds were dried down to several moisture content levels in silica gel: 40.1%, 39.8%, 34.9%, 32.0%, 21.7%, and 16.1%. The initial moisture content of fresh H. odorata seeds were 45.6% with 100% germination. Reduction of moisture content level to 40.1%, 39.8%, and 34.9% did not affect germination percentage, where germination percentages were maintained at 100%. However, the desiccation of H. Odorata seeds from 32.0% to 21.7% moisture content reduced germination from 96 to 50%. No germination (0%) was detected once the seeds were further desiccated to 16.1%. From this observation, the estimated lowest safe moisture content (LSMC) for H. Odorata was 32.0% and was desiccation sensitive as expected for recalcitrant seeds. In the second experiment, winged and de-winged seeds were stored under different temperatures and durations; with the presence of vermiculite. Results obtained revealed that the most effective way to store H. odorata seeds is at 20°C for 5 weeks with the wings removed; where 98% of the seeds germinated.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	seeds
AGROVOC Term:	recalcitrant seeds
AGROVOC Term:	seed storage
AGROVOC Term:	germination
AGROVOC Term:	moisture content
AGROVOC Term:	storage conditions
AGROVOC Term:	temperature
AGROVOC Term:	vermiculites
Geographical Term:	Malaysia
Depositing User:	Mr. Khoirul Asrimi Md Nor
Date Deposited:	11 Jun 2026 03:11
Last Modified:	11 Jun 2026 03:11
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/4011

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