Seed storage and viability of Myristica malabarica Lam. an endemic species of Southern Western Ghats (India)

Myristica malabarica Lam. seeds remain viable only for a week under natural conditions. Fresh seeds exhibit 27% moisture content and 100% germination, On natural drying, the critical moisture content value was found to be between 14 and 11% as the germination percentage decreased from 70 to 0% respectively. Sensitivity of seeds to temperatures below 10degreesC is an indication of recalcitrant nature. Seeds with 27% moisture content stored in polyethylene bags at 30degreesC / 80% RH retained their viability up to one year.