Hybrid seed germination in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) affected by innovative dormancy breaking techniques

Abstract

Seed dormancy is considered as a major cause for low and erratic germination in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) which affects quality planting material production. To alleviate the problem, fresh hybrid seeds were subjected to seven treatments, viz. T1-complete endocarp removal and de-operculum, T2-chipping endocarp and de-operculum, T3-chipping endocarp and scarification of operculum with pile rod, T4-chipping endocarp and scarification of operculum with sand paper, T5-chipping endocarp and needle insertion in the operculum and T6-making crack at germ pore region of shell and T7-dry heat method (control) with an objective to achieve uniform, speedy and maximum seed germination. Results showed that endocarp chipping combined with de-operculum resulted in the highest germination (88%) and took 3, 4 and 8 days to initiate germination, 50% germination and final germination, respectively. Dry heat method took 11 and 12 days to initiate and 50% germination, respectively resulted in only 66.6% germination even after 20 days incubation. Dry heat method also required extra heat treatment at 40° C for 60 days. It is inferred that chipping combined with de-operculum could be substituted with dry heat method at commercial seed production centres to break seed dormancy. Laboratory scale seed chipping machine is developed for chipping the endocarp of seeds. Up-gradation of lab scale machine is envisaged to scaling up germinated seed supply in a short period of time.