Indian Journal of Agricultural Research 442 RESEARCH ARTICLE Indian Journal of Agricultural Research, Volume 57 Issue 4: 442-447 (August 2023) Morphology, Storage Behavior, Dormancy, Germination Pattern and Chemical Composition of Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Lam. Seeds Reneliza D. Cejalvo 1 , Jr. Renerio P. Gentallan 1 , Michael Cedric B. Bartolome 1 , Emmanuel Bonifacio S. Timog 1,2 , Angeleigh Rose T. Cirunay 3 , Bartimeus Buiene S. Alvaran 1,3 , Allison C. Morales 1 , Nestor C. Altoveros 1 , Teresita H. Borromeo 1 , Leah E. Endonela 1 10.18805/IJARe.AF-712 ABSTRACT Background: Seed characteristics of Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Lam., an indigenous medicinal plant species from the Philippines, were investigated to help identify appropriate conservation strategies. Methods: Mature seeds were tested for viability at different dormancy-breaking treatments and storage conditions. Seeds were also characterized morphologically and the seedling developmental pattern was established using the Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and CHemische Industrie (BBCH) scale. We also determined the preliminary chemical composition through qualitative phytochemical screening and proximate analysis. Result: Seeds of T. pandacaqui are obovate in shape with a 1000-seed weight of 20.99±0.62 g at 4.7% moisture content. Removal of the aril from the fresh seeds improved germination from 30%±0.98 to 84%±0.71 and shortened the time to seedling emergence from 45 days to 4 days after sowing. The seeds can tolerate drying to 4.7% moisture content and storage at -10C for 3 months; thus, they have orthodox storage behavior. The germination pattern is epigeal phanerocotylar type, wherein the foliaceous cotyledons are raised (BBCH 09) and unfolded above the soil surface (BBCH 10). The seedling then develops an ovate to elliptic-shaped first true pair of leaves (BBCH 12) completing the germination process. The pre-dried seeds also have a high oil content of 28.7407±0.09316% with a strong presence of alkaloids and saponins. This indicates that the seed is amenable to ex-situ conservation through seedbanking, but its viability must be monitored in shorter intervals due to its high oil content. Key words: BBCH scale, Dessiccation tolerance, Phytochemical content, Proximate composition, Seedling development. INTRODUCTION Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Lam. (Apocynaceae) is an evergreen shrub or a small tree with ornamental flowers and fruits. It is native to South China up to the Pacific (Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, 2019). In the Philippines, it is commonly found in thickets at low elevations and is present from Babuyan islands to Mindanao (Merril, 1926). T. pandacaqui is widely studied for its phytochemical and pharmacological components; it has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic and antibacterial activities which are attributed to tabernaemontanine and akuammicine alkaloids found in the stem and leaves, respectively (Blasco et al ., 2014; Taesotikul et al., 2003; Abe et al., 1993; Boonchuay et al., 1976). In the Philippines and Thailand, the sap and leaves of T. pandacaqui are used as an emmenagogue and emollient to wounds, respectively (Chua and Horsten, 2001). T. pandacaqui is mainly propagated through seeds. However, information on seed morphology and germination pattern remains fragmentary. In addition, no record has been found on the seed storage behavior and chemical composition of T. pandacaqui (Chua and Horsten, 2001; Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, 2019). Data on its seed storage behavior and chemical composition are fundamental in developing appropriate conservation and management strategies (Hong et al ., 1996). Furthermore, detailed information on its germination pattern and dormancy- breaking technique is important in establishing germination techniques and nursery management. Given the medicinal 1 Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, 4031, Philippines. 2 Department of Forest Biological Sciences, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, 4031, Philippines. 3 Institute of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, 4031, Philippines. Corresponding Author: Renerio P. Gentallan Jr., Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, 4031, Philippines. Email: rpgentallan@up.edu.ph How to cite this article: Cejalvo, R.D., Gentallan, Jr.R.P., Bartolome, M.C.B., Timog, E.B.S., Cirunay, A.R.T., Alvaran, B.B.S., Morales, A.C., Altoveros, N.C., Borromeo, T.H. and Endonela, L.E. (2023). Morphology, Storage Behavior, Dormancy, Germination Pattern and Chemical Composition of Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Lam. Seeds. Indian Journal of Agricultural Research. 57(4): 442-447. doi: 10.18805/IJARe.AF-712. Submitted: 09-12-2021 Accepted: 25-07-2022 Online: 22-08-2022