Standardization of Media for Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Garcinia indica: An Endemic and Threatened Plant of Western Ghats, India

Garcinia indica (Thouars) Choisy commonly known as Kokum, is an endemic and vulnerable species of Western Ghats, India. Population of this species is rapidly declining in the wild due to habitat loss and overexploitation of the species for its significant culinary, pharmaceutical and industrial values. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of various media and environmental conditions on the seed germination and seedling growth of G. indica. The study hypothesized that certain media compositions and environmental conditions would promote better seed germination, seedling survival and growth, additionally the seed scarification potentially enhance the seed germination rates. The study demonstrated the effect of natural and polyhouse conditions on seed germination and seedlings growth. The study revealed that the maximum seed germination percentage in cocopeat (81% for non-coated seeds and 61% for coated seeds) followed by soil + cocopeat (64% for non-coated seeds and 57% for coated seeds) and minimum in soil + horn dust (10% for coated or non-coated seeds). The growth in natural environmental condition is better as compared to polyhouse condition with average shoot height of 10.25 cm and average leaf count 7 in sand + cocopeat media. The present study concludes that cocopeat is best medium for seed germination, growth and scarification is effective for increasing the rate of seed germination and seedling vigor.