Effect of Pre-sowing Treatments in Seeds of Rattans of South India: Effect of Pre-Sowing Treatments on Germination of Seeds and Growth and Biomass Production of Seedlings of CALAMUS SPP.

Rattans, a major non-wood forest produce of tropics are climbing palms of Arecaceae family. They are prime source of foreign exchange after timber in the ASEAN region. Despite of their importance in the industry as well as socioeconomic and cultural contribution to the marginalized people, little effort has been given to manage these resources on a sustainable basis, which resulted in the decline of rattan resources. Recalcitrant nature and dormancy of rattan seeds put a limitation to their large-scale multiplication. Identification of better propagation methods are needed for effective conservation, large-scale cultivation and commercial exploitation of rattan. This book envisages evaluation of pre-sowing treatments and growth attributes of selected indigenous rattans of Kerala, India. Ten different pre sowing treatments and their impacts on germination, growth and biomass production were studied and recorded for six months. This book attempts to put forward vital information on the nursery technology of rattans, which will be useful for rattan growers who face problems in the propagation and commercialization of rattans all over the world.

Jisha E. Divakaran, B.Sc and M.Sc. in Forestry(KAU), M.Sc. in Agricultural Development(Copenhagen University), Studying M.Sc Agroforestry(Bangor University). Vidyasagaran, K. Doctorate in Forestry(FRI, Dehradun), Associate Professor at Kerala Agricultural University(KAU).Consultant in Nursery technology and plantation development.