ISHS Acta Horticulturae 108: International Cashew Symposium
SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF SEEDS AS A MASS SELECTION CRITERIAN IN CASHEW |
| Authors: | M.A. MENON, P.N. RAVINDRAN, B.P. NAIR |
| Abstract:
Cashew seeds drawn from a bulk collection were grouped into different specific gravity groups by immersing them in a series of sugar solutions of increasing specific gravity, and samples from each group were raised in polythene bags. Seeds of higher specific gravity gave significantly earlier and higher rates of germination: 50 and 97 per cent in the lowest (1.03) and highest (1.09) specific gravity groups respectively. A vigour index calculated based on speed and rate of germination gave index values 4,16, 7.08, 7.33 and 8.17 for the groups 1.03, 1.03 – 1.06, 1.06 – 1.09 and 1.09 respectively. The greater the index value, the greater the germination ability and thus the greater the seed vigour. The low specific gravity seeds were significantly inferior to high specific gravity seeds in shoot length, shoot girth, fresh and dry weight of shoots. In general seed specific gravity affected seed germination and seedling growth significantly. These results indicate the possibility of mass selection of seeds for greater vigour. Since 45 per cent of the seeds fall in the low specific gravity groups elimination of these can enhance the speed of germination, ensure vigorous seedlings and also reduce the loss by way of ungerminated seeds and seedlings of low vigour. | |
