A PHYSIOLOGICAL APPROACH TO CONSERVATION OF FOUR PALM SPECIES: ARENGA AUSTRALASICA, CALAMUS AUSTRALIS, HYDRI-ASTELE WENDLANDIANA AND LICUALA RAMSAYI
ABSTRACT: Palms (Arecaceae)
are an important component of many tropical rainforests. Many have also been
cultivated widely for agricultural commodities with high economic value. They
are also important components in rehabilitation of disturbed or marginal lands.
Knowledge and application of germination strategies are essential in the
cultivation of palms. Many species have seeds that do not germinate readily,
even when light conditions are favourable. This research determined the effects
of seed coats, light and temperature on germination of Arenga australasica (H.
Wendl. & Drude) S. T. Blake ex H. E. Moore, Calamus australis Mart.,
Hydriastele wendlandiana (F. Muell.) H. Wendl. & Drude and Licuala ramsayi
var. tuckeri Barford & Dowe. We examined physical treatments to promote
germination or break dormancy, as well as different light and temperature
conditions. The results showed that the hard seed coats of the four species
slowed imbibition. Scarified seeds germinated best for A. australasica, C.
australis and L. ramsayi. The germination of all seeds was inhibited by far red
light. The red light requirement suggests that these species prefer to colonise
open areas. This implies that dispersal agents, canopy gaps and forest margins
may play important roles in promoting regeneration as well as conservation of
these palm species.
Key words: Arenga
australasica, Calamus australis, germination, Hydriastele wendlandiana, Licuala
ramsayi, palms
Author: DIAN LATIFAH, ROBERT
A. CONGDON, JOSEPH A. HOLTUM
Journal Code: jpbiologigg140035
