Standardization of seed storage conditions in chilgoza pine (Pinus gerardiana Wall.): an endangered pine of Hind Kush Himalaya

Abstract

The seeds of chilgoza pine (Pinus gerardiana) show moderate germination and not retain better germinability under normal ambient storage. In the present study, five storage containers [polythene bags (C1), plastic jars (C2), canvas bags (C3), earthen pots (C4) and tin boxes (C5)] and four temperature regimes (19–22 °C) (room temperature, T1), 0 ± 1 °C (T2), −4 ± 1 °C (T3) and 4 ± 1 °C (T4) were tested and the suitable seed storage conditions of chilgoza pine to retain viability were standardized. The storage devices preserve and retain viability trend of C4 > C3 > C1 > C2 > C5 and T2 > T3 > T4 > T1 in the species throughout the storage period. However, the interaction treatment (C4T2) of earthen pots under 0 ± 1 °C temperature regime maintained significantly (P < 0.05) maximum germinability after 9 months (58.3 %) followed by C3T2 and C4T3 (47.5 %) as compared to other storage conditions. Notably, a sharp decline in germinability was recorded in seeds stored in tin boxes placed at room temperature. The implementation of these results for conservation management, especially nursery development and sustainable utilization of P. gerardiana in Himalayan region, has been suggested.