Morphological variations in seeds from various provenances of Dalbergia cochinchinensis with a multi-site germination test

To provide a basis for introduction to appropriate regions and to further improve genetic traits for Dalbergia cochinchinensis, seed morphology from various provenances and different germination rates in various regions were studied. Morphological parameters, including seed length, seed width, seed thickness and 1 000-seed weight, were measured and a germination test (RCB design with 50-seed plot and 4 replications) was conducted in four districts (Guangzhou, Zhangzhou, Yangjiang, and Ledong) with 25 families of D. cochinchinensis seeds collected from 10 provenances in Thailand, Cambodia, and China. ANOVA analysis, correlation analysis, and cluster analysis were conducted with different traits. Results showed that seed length ranged from 6.09 mm to 7.19 mm, seed width ranged from 3.84 mm to 4.28 mm, seed thickness ranged from 0.98 mm to 1.19 mm, and the 1 000-seed weight ranged from 15.80 g to 33.76 g. The highest average germination rate was in Yangjiang with seeds from 'Prachin Buri' having the highest average germination rate (up to 83%) of the four regions. Highly significant differences among the provenances and the sowing locations (P 0.05). In both Yangjiang and Ledong habitats, variation in germination rates of seeds was similar. A cluster analysis indicated that the seeds of D. cochinchinensis could be divided into three categories. Thus, morphology and seed germination could be used as a basis for introduction and selection with D. cochinchinensis seeds from 'Prachin Buri' performing the best overall from this study.