Germination and sensitivity to desiccation ofCola anomala(K. Schum.) seeds

Abstract

Introduction. As a step in the process of Cola anomala domestication, investigations were undertaken on germination requirements and desiccation tolerance of its seeds. Materials and methods. Three seed provenances (Bamenda, Bayangam and Dschang), three substrates (forest top soil, river sand and a mixture of forest top soil and river sand) and two photoperiods (12 h day-1 and continuous darkness) were investigated for their effects on seed germination. To evaluate their desiccation tolerance, fresh seeds were dried at room temperature (24 ± 1 °C) for 16 days during which seed moisture content, seed germination percentage and electrical conductivity of seed leachate were monitored at two-day intervals. Results and discussion. Germination rates were significantly (P There is a significant variation in germination responses between C. anomala seed batches The best substrate for germination is forest top soil supplemented or not with river sand in a 1/1 (v/v) ratio. The seeds of C. anomala are particularly desiccation-sensitive which is a significant constraint for conservation storage.