CHARACTERISTICS OF SEEDS AND TREATMENT, PRESERVATION METHODS FOR Altingia siamensis Craib SEEDS

Abstract

Altingia siamensis Craib is a native large timber tree that also has many other values such as medicinal, food, and cosmetic purposes. Research results on seed characteristics, seed processing methods, and seed storage are important factors directly affecting the germination ability of Altingia siamensis Craib seeds. The seeds of Altingia siamensis Craib turn from green to dark brown when ripe, and the seed capsules open to allow seed dispersal by the wind; fruits ripen from December and peak in February of the following year. The fruit size ranges from 16.9 to 17.5 mm in width and 19.4 to 20.2 mm in length; seed size ranges from 2.1 to 2.3 mm in width and 6.3 to 6.9 mm in length, with the fruits and seeds fairly uniform; 1,000 seeds weigh between 4.7 and 4.9 g, 1 kg of seeds has about 20,000 to 22,000 seeds; seed purity ranges from 72.1% to 72.9%, germination starts on the 2nd day and completes in 22.3 days; seed moisture content of 7.7% indicates that the seeds prefer dry conditions; Cold storage for 30 days provides the highest germination rate; Seed treatment at 40^oC temperature achieves the highest germination rate of 58.7%.