Effect of different substrates on growth of germinated oil palm hybrid seeds

The effect of different substrates on seedling growth of (pre-heat treated) germinated oil palm (Elaeis guineensis, Jacq) seeds were investigated. The pre-dry heat treatment has given over 85 percent germination incubated at 38°±2°C for 60 days which can be recommended as an additional treatment to break dormancy. Slow seedling growth was observed in closed poly bag (used for incubation to induce germination under commercial seed production) throughout the testing period whereas the germinated seeds planted in the peat mass, sand, germination paper and red sandy soil showed comparatively better growth. Significantly, maximum seedling growth was recorded in germination paper and red sandy soil when compared to other substrates. The germination paper substrate was found suitable for evaluating the pre-heated seeds with a testing duration of two to three months.