Seed Viability Studies in Nepenthes khasiana Hook. F.: Comparison of in Vivo and in Vitro Seed Germination

Studies on the seed viability of Nepenthes khasiana H00k.f. was conducted. Seeds were collected from different natural habitats and stored both at low temperature (5°C) and at ambient room temperature (25 ± 2 °C ) . Seed viability study was carried out by germinating seeds both in vivo and in vitro. For in vivo study seeds were sown on a leaf mold-based mixture in Petri dishes, whereasr in vito, the seeds were inoculated onto half-strength Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium. Within 2 week of culture over 50% of seeds germinated in vitro, whereas in vivo seed germination reached 50% after 8 week. Light and dark conditions were also used to test their effect on gemination. Addition of Gibberelic acid did not show any effect on the gemination of seeds. The study has shown high seed viability as shown from the high rate of gemination, both in vivo and in vitro. For optimum seed germination, high humidity (80 - 90%) and a warm temperature of around 25°C-30°C are essential. The study has also shown that seeds stored at ambient room temperature condition lose its viability rapidly within a year but seeds stored at low temperature (5°C) remain viable for over 5 years.