In vitro and in vivo seed germination and phytosociology of an endemic and critically endangered species, Hildegardia populifolia Roxb. of Malvaceae, from Tamil Nadu

Hildegardia populifolia (Roxb.)Schott & Endl. is a deciduous, endemic and critically endangered tree of Malvaceae.It is disjunctly distributed at the south eastern ghats between the two states, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.During the population assessment, 45 quadrats with 10 x 10 m2 have randomly selected at H. populifolia habituated areas in Pakkam Malai reserve forest, near Gingee, Viluppuram district of Tamil Nadu, found that the regeneration status was inferior.To know the seed viability and germination potential, this study has planned to make an easy and efficient germination protocol for mass multiplication and to conservation programs.Tested by three traditional methods, viz. 1. seed coat scratch method, 2. water-soaked method and 3. cow dung water-soaked method.The second method shows better germination (90%) results than the other two methods.Another study, found 40% of germination after 25 days from the aseptic naked seeds inoculated in culture medium.The protocol developed here would help to execute large-scale ex situ conservation programs for this endangered species.Field observation and the lab condition indicated that the fungus Penicillium citrinum inhibits the growth of germination.