Effect of seed weight on germination potential of different oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) crosses.

摘要

Seed weight is often related to germination. The response of seed weight in relation to seed physical characteristics on germination of tenera oil palm crosses was studied at the Surat Thani Oil Palm Research Center, Thailand. Seeds of seven crosses were categorized into three different seed weight groups, i.e. light (1.6-3.1 g seed-1), medium (3.2-4.6 g seed-1) and heavy (4.7-6.1 g seed-1). The results revealed that almost all seed physical characteristics traits like seed weight, seed volume, shell thickness, shell weight, kernel weight and number of kernels per fruit ranked higher in heavy seeds than medium and light seeds. Germination was increased with increased seed weight. The average germination percentage of the seven oil palm crosses was 64.3% for light seeds, 69.8% for medium seeds and 77.5% for heavy seeds. Germination was also different among oil palm crosses. The highest germination percentage was found in cross no. 23 (80.8%) and the least in crosses no. 35 (64.4%) and 40 (63.4%). The present study showed germination was influenced by seed weight and cross, but there was no interaction between these two factors. The results suggested that seed weight is a factor influencing germination of oil palm seed.