Optimizing seed storage and treatment for enhanced seedling growth in Elaeodendron paniculatum Wight & Arn.: An endemic medicinal tree of Western Ghats

The Western Ghats, home to approximately 700 medicinal plant species, face increasing threats from human activities, necessitating urgent conservation efforts. Eleodendron paniculatum, a medicinally important species, requires optimized storage and propagation strategies for effective conservation and sustainable utilization. This study, conducted in 2022-2023 at the College of Forestry Nursery, Kodagu, evaluated the effects of seed storage duration and treatments on seedling growth using a split-plot design. Seeds were stored for different durations: freshly collected (S1), 30 days (S2), 60 days (S3), and 90 days (S4), and subjected to four treatments: M1 (Control), M2 (Carbendazim 1%), M3 (Chlorpyriphos 20% EC), and M4 (Carbendazim 1% + Chlorpyriphos 20% EC). Growth parameters, including seedling height, collar diameter, number of leaves, root-shoot ratio, and survival percentage, were recorded fortnightly. Results indicated significant variations in seedling height, with M2 yielding the tallest seedlings (16.14 cm) and M1 the shortest (14.23 cm) after three fortnights. The highest survival percentage (95.45%) was recorded in M4 during the first interval, while M3 exhibited the lowest (76.88%) in the third. The sturdiness quotient peaked at 14.88 in M3 (S1), while the seedling quality index reached 0.31 in M2 (S1). These findings highlight the importance of combining Carbendazim and Chlorpyriphos for improved seedling survival and growth. The study underscores the need for optimized seed storage treatments to enhance propagation efforts and ensure the conservation of this valuable medicinal species.