Effect of seed storage, heat pretreatment and its duration on germination and growth of nursery stock of the idolatrica palm, Elaeis guineensis var idolatrica (Chevalier)

Abstract

The kernel of the idolatrica oil palm seed is surrounded by a hard, impervious endocarp covered with a network of fibres. This accounts for the protracted seed dormancy which is best broken by heat pretreatment. For fresh seeds and seeds stored for up to four months, wet heat treatment at 39.5°C given for 50 days is highly recommended. This treatment combination significantly enhances germination capacity of the seeds and drastically reduces the time, labour and fuel used vis-a-vis the traditional 80-day germination campaigns usually carried out at many oil palm research stations. It also ensures the optimum growth of seedlings.