Effect of Time of Harvest and Storage Conditions on Germination of Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt)

Abstract

AbstractNutmeg (Myristica fragrans) is a valuable tropical spice crop, which is not easily propagated vegetatively. As the seeds of this species lose viability soon after harvest, storage for research causes problems, especially due to the seasonality of production. Thus, a study evaluated the characteristics of nutmeg seeds, and the relationship between time of harvest, drying temperature, and storage condition on germinability. Seeds were picked at full maturity, full ripeness or were collected within 2 hours after falling from the tree. Seed moisture contents, germination characters and germination indices were determined soon after harvest. The freshly fallen seeds were used for the drying and storage due to their better germination characters and higher germination index.Seed moisture contents were high in the seeds. These values decreased and germinability increased with increasing seed maturity. Germination percentages were lost at higher moisture contents at a faster rate when dried at higher temperatures. All seeds lost germinability at moisture contents below 45 % (dry wt basis) when dried at the selected temperatures. Germination of stored seed were maintained for a longer period of time when stored at 5 °C in sealed transparent polythene packs, in contrast to when stored at room temperature. The results suggest the recalcitrant nature of nutmeg seeds and present possible methods of storage for short period of time while maintaining some degree of germinability.