Desiccation induced physiological and biochemical changes of Gymnacranthera canarica (King.) Warb. seeds in the Myristica swamp forests, Southern Western Ghats, India

Gymnacranthera canarica (King.) Warb. is an endemic tree species that dominates the Myristica swamp ecosystem of southern Western Ghats. This tropical has become more threatened due to limited natural seed germination and habitat loss. Mature seeds were collected from myristica subjected desiccation study. research evaluated physiological (moisture content, tetrazolium reduction, lipid peroxidation, electrolyte leakage) biochemical response during different treatments. Results showed G. are highly sensitive total viability loss was seen within 15 days following harvest indicating active metabolism mature showing absence metabolic arrest. Desiccation enhanced malondialdehyde leakage while reducing formazan formation. Seed increases protease activity, which peaks when lost. reduced quantity phenol starch, whereas proline, fat, sucrose soluble carbohydrates increased. The early in could be membrane integrity, linked ROS formation associated peroxidation products truly recalcitrant.