Evaluation of Dormancy Mechanism in Teak (Tectona grandis Linn.f) True Seeds Collected from Multiple Provenances and Forest Types of India

Abstract

Teak drupes were collected from seven geographical locations spread over four forest types (dry deciduous, moist deciduous, very moist deciduous, and semi-deciduous) from India. In order to study the dormancy mechanism associated with teak true seeds. The true seeds present inside the drupes from each provenance were extracted without causing any damage to the true seeds. The extracted true seeds were used to study the morphological and physiological characteristics. The true seeds were carefully inoculated in MS medium to observe germination. Twenty-eight days after sowing, the result revealed that Andhra Pradesh provenance recorded the highest true seed germination of 58 percent compared to all other provenances. These results clearly indicate that not only physical and mechanical dormancy is involved in teak for decreased germination but also morphological/physiological dormancy plays a major role in teak true seed germination.