Variation in seed germination and seedling development among longan genotpyes (Dimocarpus longan Lour)

Thirty-one longan genotypes maintained at ICAR-NRC on Litchi, Muzaffarpur were evaluated for seed germination potential. Post seed germination, seedling performance was assessed. Seed germination percentage, seedling height and diameter and number of leaves were recorded at intervals. Results revealed that seed germination per cent among longan genotypes varies significantly from 25.00 – 96.00%. Seed germination initiated within 4 days after sowing and reached its peak in 8 days. By 12 days all viable seeds had germinated. Significant variation in seedling height and diameter, number of leaves, fresh weight and dry weight of roots and leaves, seedling mortality, vigour index and germination value was observed. Mortality of seedlings was very low (16%) and occurs within the first 10 days of seed germination. Correlation analysis revealed the presence of interrelationships between the studied traits. A very strong positive correlation between germination per cent, seedling height, seedling diameter, root fresh weight, leaf fresh weight and germination value was noted.