Effect of storage temperature and dormancy breaking pre-treatments on germination and early seedling growth of Garcinia kola (Heckel): a threatened medicinal fruit tree in Benin

Germination and early growth of Garcinia kola-Heckel were conducted to determine the suitable temperature of storage to maintain germinability and growth of the species. The viable seeds of the species were divided into two groups, one stored at room temperature and the other at 4 degrees C in a refrigerator for 2 months before pre-treatments. Seeds of each group were soaked in distilled water for 48 or 72 hours, with and without their seed coat. The treated seeds were kept in a growth chamber for germination assessment. The results indicated that independently of pre-treatments, 66.67-96.67% of G. kola seeds stored at room temperature germinated after 5 months while 0-23.33% of G. kola seeds stored at 4 degrees C germinated. Seeds stored at room temperature, soaked without coat in distilled water for 72 hours gave the highest germination percentage of 96.67%. Seedlings from seeds stored at room temperature, soaked without coat in distilled water for 72 hours had the highest radicle and plumule length as well as the highest leaf number. Only radicle length and plumule length were highly correlated. The present study demonstrates that storage at room temperature for a short period does not alter G. kola germination.