POSSIBLE ROLE OF MUCILAGE IN DESICCATION AND GERMINATION OF CITRUS ROOTSTOCK SEEDS.

Studies were conducted to assess the role of mucilage in seed desiccation, germination, and its interaction with fungus in Rough lemon, Sachtion citrumelo and Yuma citrange rootstock seeds of citrus fruits. Water loss percentage was minimum (with or without mucilage) in Rough lemon seeds (20.28%) and (31.25%) at 25°C and 35°C respectively, with high germination percentage (3.33%) while maximum water loss (29.50%) was observed in Sachtion citrumelo at 25°C having low germination percentage (1.33%). However, Yuma citrange showed maximum water loss (34.39%) at 35°C with germination percentage (1.67%). The pathogenic fungus which infected the seeds was isolated, purified and identified as Aspergillus niger. Fungus growth on seeds of Rough lemon, Sachtion citrumelo and Yuma citrange was 14.08 mm, 10.65 mm and 9.36 mm, respectively on 6th day of inoculation. It is obvious from the results that mucilage played significant role in desiccation, germination as well as fungal habitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]