Fruit and Seed Development of Critically Endangered Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari: Insights into Physiological Maturation and Germination Potential

Commiphora wightii (Arnott) Bhandari, commonly known as guggul, is a plant species renowned for its medicinal properties. Overexploitation of its oleo-gum resin has led to its inclusion in the IUCN Red List as "critically endangered." To ensure the survival of this ecologically and medicinally significant species, ex situ conservation strategies and cultivation practices must be adopted. Understanding the morphometric, colorimetric, and physiological traits associated with fruit and seed maturity is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies. This study evaluates fruit and seed development across five maturity stages—40, 60, 80, 90, and 100 days after anthesis (DAA)—by assessing key morphological traits such as length, width, fresh and dry weight, and moisture content, as well as color changes using the RHS color chart. Physiological assessments, including germination percentage (before and after desiccation), seedling length, and vigor index, were conducted. Results indicate that the optimal time for seed collection is 80–90 days after anthesis, a stage that ensures maximum germination potential and seedling vigor while minimizing losses due to natural seed fall. These findings identify reliable indicators of seed maturity, such as morphometric and physiological parameters, to guide seed collection practices. By providing critical insights into the developmental stages of C. wightii, this study contributes to the formulation of effective propagation and conservation strategies, ensuring the sustainability of this critically engendered species.