Morphometrics and Germrination Biology of Seeds from Two Coastal Sand Dune Plants of South East Coast of India

M. Jayaprakashvel^1,2*, K. Sankar¹, M.Venkatramani¹ and A. Jaffar Hussain^1,2

¹Department of Marine Biotechnology, AMET University, 135, East Coast Road, Kanathur, Chennai - 603112, India. ²Centre for Marine Bioprospecting, AMET University 135, East Coast Road, Kanathur, Chennai - 603112, India.

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.13005/bbra/1397

ABSTRACT: Coastal sand dunes (CSD) are important marine ecosystems which received less attention. The coastal sand dune plants also little explored. India has a vast coast line of a coastline of 7,517 km was reported to have 338 species of CSD flora, of which 92 species are found to be common to the west and east coasts. The coastal sand dune plants of west coast of India are studied for their diversity, biology and bioprospecting adequately. However, the coastal sand dune plants though less approached for diversity and bioprospecting knowledge on the biology is rarely attempted. Hence, in the present study we have taken two coastal sand dune plants such as Canavalia sp. and Ipomoea sp. and studied the morphometrics and germination biology of their seeds. Both Canavalia sp. and Ipomoea sp. The fresh weight of the Canavalia sp. seeds from different locations exhibited little temporal variations. The the average fresh weight of the Canavalia sp. in the Chennai coastal sand dunes was 0.84 g. The dry weight of Canavalia sp. was in the range of 47.90 – 64.73 g (100 seeds weight). Average moisture content of Canavalia sp. seeds was found to be 36.7%. The average fresh weight for the Ipomoea sp. seeds was 24.3 g (100 seeds), average dry weight of 8.7 g (100 seeds) and the seeds were having an average moisture content of 23.8%. Canavalia sp. seeds were having average length of 14.42 mm, average height of 26.95 mm and average breadth of 8.35 mm. Average volumes of Canavalia sp. seeds from the south east coast of India is 33.1mm3. Ipomoea sp seeds were having average length of 6.95 mm, average height of 6.81mm and average breadth of 5.63mm. Average volumes of Ipomoea sp seeds from the south east coast of India is 19.4 mm3. Canavalia sp. seeds are relatively faster in germination which usually germinates in 2 days where as Ipomoea seeds germinate in 12 days. Direct sowing was found to be best for germination of Ipomoea seeds while water soaking for 24 is found essential for the germination of Canavalia sp.

KEYWORDS: Coastal sand dunes; Canavalia sp; Ipomoe sp; Morphometrics and Seed germination

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