Assessment of seed damage and seed germination in endangered medicinal tree Glochidion tomentosum Dalz.

Abstract

Glochidion tomentosum (Euphorbiaceae) is an endangered medicinal tree endemic to Peninsular India region. The present study aimed to assess the extent of damage caused by seed predator insect larvae and seed germination in Glochidion tomentosum. Different type of soils like Garden soil, Forest soil and Sandy soil were used for germination studies and also seedling survival and mean germination time were determined. Maximum germination percentage 56 % and seedling survival 87% was recorded in garden soil. Mean germination time was also varied among the different type of soil. Seedlings were successfully grown in botanical garden. This germination procedure would help for establishment of seedlings for considering ex situ conservation of Glochidion tomentosum.