Seed biology and modes of regeneration.

Abstract Seed biology and modes of regeneration are important criteria for management of threatened species and are highlighted in this chapter. Information on the ecological requirements at the seed and seedling stages is vital both for conservation and rehabilitation and is seldom articulated in silvicultural and forest management plans. The present study on Gymnocladus assamicus, based on scanning electron microscopic observation, showed the very compact nature of testa which may prevent uniform intake of water throughout the seed surface. This may have led the seed to become highly impermeable in nature. Different seed pretreatments in laboratory conditions could break the dormancy effectively and may be used in forestry practices.