Abstract
The effect of desiccation on germination and viability of Citrus seeds at different levels of moisture content was explored. Seeds of four Citrus species investigated showed little sensitivity to desiccation tolerance and exhibited recalcitrant to intermediate storage behavior. The experiments on dry storage and factors effecting germination all demonstrated the importance of seed coat in determining the germination performance of Citrus seeds. The effect of GA3 on mean germination percentage was also slightly significant. The studies on seed organic reserves suggested that the protein was high in Sacatan citrumelo where as fats were high in Sacatan citrumelo and Savage citrange. The total sugar content was more in Bitter sweet orange and Sacatan citrumelo. The role of desiccation and moisture content in Citrus seed viability and longevity is discussed. Key Words: Desiccation, Citrus, moisture content, storage, viability, organic reserves
