Work

Experimental studies on seed germination of Nothopegia castaneifolia an endemic & critically endangered tree of the Western Ghats, India

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Nothopegia castaneifolia (Roth) Ding Hou (Anacardiaceae) is a critically endangered tree species with a narrow endemic range, restricted to semi-evergreen and evergreen forests of the Western Ghats, one of India’s biodiversity hotspots. Owing to the highly recalcitrant nature of its seeds and the decline of natural populations, x ex-situ conservation strategies are essential for population restoration. The effectiveness of pre-sowing treatments, including H 2 SO 4 scarification, GA 3 at 500 and 1000 ppm, and hot water, was evaluated for enhancing seed germination. Germination varied significantly among treatments, with H 2 SO 4 scarification (3 min, 80.0 ± 2.3%) and GA 3 application (500–1000 ppm; 75.0 ± 2.0% and 72.0 ± 2.1%) being the most effective, as confirmed by ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD analyses. These findings demonstrate that H 2 SO 4 scarification and GA 3 treatments effectively break dormancy and enhance germination, supporting ex-situ conservation of Nothopegia castaneifolia.

Source: Discover Plants.

DOI: 10.1007/s44372-026-00587-z

Authors: Pooja S. Bhagure, Mayur Y. Kamble, Jagdish V. Dalavi, J. H. Franklin Benjamin, Anubhab Mondal

Institutions: Botanical Survey of India, Savitribai Phule Pune University

Language: English

Topic: Seed Germination and Physiology

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: Ministry of Environment and Forests, Ministry of Environment