Research Article | Published: 01 September 2007

Effect of fruit colour on germination, storability and seedling performance in neem (Azadirachta indica A.Juss.) seed

Devendra Kumar and Dhruv Kumar Mishra

Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products | Volume: 14 | Issue: 3 | Page No. 209-214 | 2007
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps2000-2007-AD6491 | Cite this article

Abstract

Neem seeds were collected at different stages of maturity, i.e., green, green-yellow and yellow to observe the effect on seed and seedling qualities. Fresh seeds collected at all the three stages of maturity exhibited insignificant difference in terms of germination. but green-yellow exhibited lowest mean germination time (MGT) and highest germination value (GV) compared to green and yellow in laboratory as well in nursery. The seedling performance of green-yellow was significantly better as compared to the green and yellow in terms of seedling length, number of leaves, collar diameter, total biomass, vigour index, sturdiness quotient and volume index. However, there was no significant difference in green-yellow and yellow in terms of root shoot ratio and quality index. While green–yellow seeds retained viability up to 233 days as compared to yellow (174) and green (155) days respectively. Stored seeds followed similar pattern as fresh seeds. Thus, the results indicate that Neem fruits of any colour capable of softening within a day can be collected if they are required immediately for sowing but if seed are to be stored for a brief period before sowing in nursery, green-yellow fruits may be collected.

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How to cite

Kumar, D. and Mishra, D.K., 2007. Effect of fruit colour on germination, storability and seedling performance in neem (Azadirachta indica A.Juss.) seed. Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products, 14(3), pp.209-214. https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps2000-2007-AD6491

Publication History

Manuscript Published on 01 September 2007

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