Storage behaviour of seeds of Cinnamomum osmophloeum and Neolitsea aciculata var. variabillima (Lauraceae)

Publisher： International Seed Testing Association

ISSN： 1819-5717

Source： Seed Science and Technology, Vol.35, Iss.1, 2007-04, pp. : 237-243

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Abstract

This study investigated the seed storage behaviour of the lauraceous trees species Cinnamomum osmophloeum and Neolitsea aciculata var. variabillim. More than 65% of fresh seeds of N. aciculata var. variabillima with 6.4% moisture content (MC) (fresh weight basis) retained viability during one year of storage at 4°C, but viability was reduced to 28% in seeds with the same MC stored at 15°C. A MC of 15.2% or higher reduced seed viability rapidly at 4 and at 15°C and seeds stored at −20°C did not survive. Seeds of C. osmophloeum were less tolerant to desiccation than those of N. aciculata var. variabillima, but >55% of fresh seeds of C. osmophloeum with 6.4 or 14.8% MC survived for one month at 4°C. However, viability in seeds of this species was reduced to ≤7% of that of fresh seeds in four months. Thus, seeds of both C. osmophloeum and N. aciculata var. variabillima exhibited intermediate seed storage behaviour, but they are freezing sensitive. Seeds of these two species retained their original viability during moist storage at 4°C for one year.