Improved germination of Gymnacranthera canarica Warb. an endangered, endemic tree species of Myristica swamps, Western Ghats, India

Gymnacranthera canarica Warb, an endangered, endemic tree species of Western Ghats, India. The species is exclusively associated with swampy conditions and habitat destruction seems to be the major threat. Although seed viability was 98 per cent confirmed by TZ test, initial germination was only 40% suggesting dormancy problem in this species. Among the 14 treatments, seed coat removal itself enhanced germination by 20 per cent (60%) over control (40%) showing partial permeability of seed coat to water. GA₃ @ 50, 100 and 250 ppm with partial removal of seed coat showed significantly higher germination by 39, 33 and 30 per cent respectively over control. However, higher concentration of GA₃ @ 500 ppm showed inhibitory effect (10%). With respect to IAA we fail to observe any pattern in this species. Further, nil germination in boiling water, cold, boiling water hormonal treatment confirming the dormancy of seeds. Our results provide means to enhance the seed germination and helps for restoration and conservation of an endangered species in Western Ghats.