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Certain members of Aquilaria, Gyrinops, Gonystylus and Aetoxylon genera of
Thymelaeaceae family produce a highly valuable resin called agarwood inside the
stem, branches and roots. Agarwood is extensively used for manufacturing perfume,
incense sticks, traditional medicine and cultural and religious activities in many
countries, especially in Asian and Middle East regions. Gyrinops walla is the only
agarwood producing species naturally growing in Sri Lanka which can commonly
be found in the low country wet zone. Although agarwood producing ability of G.
walla was scientifically discovered in 2012, the information available about this
species is limited when compared to its closely related species of Aquilaria origin.
Due to the high demand of agarwood, G. walla is important to the economy of Sri
Lanka and therefore plantation establishment using this species is expected by many
sectors. Since large quantities of seedlings are required for plantation
establishment, it is essential to discover the successful nursery practices. Therefore
the present study was aimed at identifying the germination pattern and potential of
storage of G. walla seeds at selected temperature levels. Fresh and healthy seeds of
G. walla were collected from the trees growing in homegardens of Mathugama
Divisional Secretariat Division. Three temperature levels were selected to store the
seeds before sowing in the nursery beds, which resulted 18 different combinations
of treatments and 50 seeds were used for each treatment. The selected temperatures
for seed storage were room temperature, 80 C and -100 C and the storage time
varied from 1 to 6 weeks. Stored seeds were sown at weekly intervals and direct
sowing was done without storing as the control. Germination of the seeds were
determined at weekly interval for 16 weeks by counting the seedlings. Percentage of
germination was calculated and General Linear Model was used to determine the
effect of storage temperature, storage period and their interaction on seed
germination. In accordance with the results, most of G. walla seeds started
germination within 1 to 2 weeks after sowing. Control showed the highest
germination percentage (73.3%). The second highest germination percentage
(26.7%) showed by the seeds stored at 80 C for 2 and 4 weeks. Seeds stored for 6
weeks at 80 C showed the third highest germination (16.7%). Further analysis revealed significant differences in storage temperatures and time. The results
confirmed that G. walla seeds are sensitive to the desiccation and therefore cannot
be stored for a long period.
