Seed Characteristics of <i>Tsuga dumosa</i> (D. Don) Eichler (Himalayan Hemlock), A Rare Conifer of Indian Himalayan Region

Abhinay Bhardwaj; Manisha Thapliyal; Sheeshram Dangwal

doi:10.36808/if/2026/v152i1/170980

Seed Characteristics of Tsuga dumosa (D. Don) Eichler (Himalayan Hemlock), A Rare Conifer of Indian Himalayan Region

Authors

Abhinay Bhardwaj Silviculture and Forest Management Division, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, 248006, Uttarakhand
Manisha Thapliyal Silviculture and Forest Management Division, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, 248006, Uttarakhand
Sheeshram Dangwal Silviculture and Forest Management Division, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, 248006, Uttarakhand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36808/if/2026/v152i1/170980

Keywords:

Tsuga dumosa, seed, dormancy, cold stratification, Himalayan conifers, germination, GA₃ treatment, forest regeneration.

Abstract

A wide range of conifer species originate in the Himalayas and hold major ecological and silvicultural value, with Tsuga dumosa being one of the lesser-studied species. This study examines its seed biology, characteristics, and germination behavior. The work was carried out at the Forest Tree Seed Laboratory, FRI Dehradun, from February to June 2022. Cones of T. dumosa were collected from Tilthin, Narayanashram, Dharchula, Pithoragarh Uttarakhand, and the seeds were extracted in the Seed Processing Unit, FRI Dehradun. The seed germination experiments and other seed parameters were recorded as per ISTA rules (2010). Additionally, the use of right growth promoter in the appropriate concentration on germination enhancement was evaluated. The seeds of Tsuga dumosa were small and light, with 500 seeds weighing only 1.49 g and about 331 seeds per gram, indicating a high seed number and very low individual seed weight showing the species adaptation for wind dispersal. The average length was recorded about 8.8 mm with the wing and 3.9 mm without the wing, while the width was around 3.9 mm (with wing) and 2.6 mm (without wing). Seeds treated with 300 ppm GA₃ for 24 hours and stratified for 30 days i.e.T2 showed the highest germination percentage of 34.66%.Seedlings of T. dumosa showed gradual improvement from T0 (control) to T3 (45 days stratification+ vermiculite), with increases in root length (1.02–1.43 cm), shoot length (2.16–2.77 cm), and collar diameter (0.67–0.79 mm), indicating better growth in treated conditions. MGT was lowest in T1 (15 days stratification), meaning seeds germinated faster there, while PV, GV, GI, and VI were all higher in treated groups (especially T2), showing stronger and more vigorous seedling performance compared to the control.

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