PD 334/05 Rev.

2(I)
DEMONSTRATION AND APPLICATION OF PRODUCTION AND
UTILIZATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR RATTAN
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE
ASEAN MEMBER COUNTRIES
[ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project]

Technology Guide 01

RATTAN NURSERY AND

PLANTING STOCK PRODUCTION

AIDA B. LAPIS, MYRNA S. DECIPULO and ARNOLD M. SALAZAR

Executing Agency:

Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau Department of Environment and Natural Resources
For more information, please contact:
ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project
Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau
College, Laguna 4031 Philippines
Telefax: +6349-536-4051; Tel.No.: +6349-536-2229, 536-2269 local 230
E-mail: itto@aseanrattan.org, contact.us@aseanrattan.org, itto_rattan@yahoo.com
Website: www.aseanrattan.org

Collaborating Agencies:

Forest Products Research and Development Institute Department of Science and Technology
and

University of the Philippines Los Baos

College of Forestry and Natural Resources
Participating ASEAN member Countries:

Funding support:

International Tropical Timber Organization

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

DR. AIDA BAJA LAPIS is a Supervising Science Research Specialist serving as the chief of Grassland Rehabilitation Section of
Grassland and Degraded Areas Research Division of the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau. At the same time, she is
the Deputy Project Director of the ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan
Project. She has been in the research field for more than 35 years and has accomplished several local and international projects. She finished her undergraduate and
post-graduate studies at the University of the Philippines Los Baos, College, Laguna, Philippines.
MYRNA S. DECIPULO is a Senior Science Research Specialist at
the Ecosystems Research and Development Services - Bukidnon,
Philippines. She has been involved in research for more than two
decades and has participated in several local and international projects. She finished her bachelors and masters degree at Central
Mindanao University, Philippines.
FOR. ARNOLD M. SALAZAR is a Research Assistant of the ITTOPhilippines-ASEAN Rattan Project. He has been involved in research for almost a decade. He finished his Bachelor of Science in
Forestry degree at the University of the Philippines Los Baos College of Forestry, Philippines. In 2003, he was conferred with the degree of Master of Science in Forestry by Graduate School of the same university.

ISBN: 978-971-8831-22-9
Published by ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project
ERDB, College, Laguna 4031 PHILIPPINES

Rattan Nursery and Plantation Stock

Rattan Nursery and Plantation Stock

INTRODUCTION
In any plantation work, production of planting materials such as seeds is
the most important factor to be considered. Success in producing planting
stocks greatly depends on the ability of seeds to germinate and grow at a given
time. Seed viability is one of the most important factors that may contribute to
the success of any planting stock production scheme. All seeds, being the usual
planting material used, that are not sown immediately after collecting and cleaning are stored carefully in order to keep or prolong their viability until such time
that they can be sown. The longevity of seeds to stay viable depends on a large
degree upon the manner of storage used and protection from other adverse factors affecting viability.

I. RATTAN SEED TECHNOLOGY

A. Species
Rattans are not limited to only a small population of single species. It is

comprised by several species from different places around the globe.

Brunei Darussalam has 80 different species recorded, Cambodia has 11,

Indonesia has 312 , Lao PDR has 44, Malaysia has 311, Myanmar has
38, Philippines has 96, Thailand has 62 and Vietnam has 30.

Species to be used in any rattan endeavor should not be selected based

on the preferences of the potential developer alone.

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ITTO - Philippines - ASEAN Rattan

ITTO - Philippines - ASEAN Rattan

Rattan Nursery and Plantation Stock

Aspect of site-species compatibility should be given utmost considera-

tion. The success of plantation establishment does not only depend on

quality planting materials and silvicultural management strategies but
also on the interplay of several factors, one of which is the environment.

B. Seed Sources
Buying from the market places

Several species of rattans produced edible fruits which are collected

and sold in market places. This is a good option for an immediate supply of seeds, however the quality of the sources cannot be verified since
the purpose of collection is just for selling. This may result to problems
related to the establishment and management of plantations.

Rattan fruits being sold in market places

From Aborigines

Cultural minorities have been living with nature from the start of history
and that their knowledge on different species of plants and animals
should not be overlooked. Seeds of commercially-important species can
be bought from the aborigines collecting them from the wild.

Aborigines collect rattan fruits as an additional source of family

income

ITTO - Philippines - ASEAN Rattan

4. Chudchawan Sutthisrisilapa - Royal Forestry Department, Bangkok,

Thailand
5. Gregorio Santos Jr. Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, Laguna, Philippines
6. Huang Shineng Research Institute of Tropical Forestry of CAF,
Guangzhou, China
7. Jorge Leon Acosta - Bamboo and Rattan Research Program, Forest
Research Institute, Cuba
8. Miguel Alvarez Gonzalez - Bamboo and Rattan Research Program,
Forest Research Institute, Cuba
9. Miguel Betancourt Riquielme - Bamboo and Rattan Research Program, Forest Research Institute, Cuba
10. Myrna Decipulo Ecosystems Research and Development Services,
Bukidnon, Philippines
11. Pannee Denrungruang Royal Forestry Department, Bangkok, Thailand
12. Raja Barizan Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Malaysia
13. Smit Booserinsuk Royal Forestry Department, Bangkok, Thailand
14. U Win Myint Forest Department, Ministry of Forestry, Myanmar
15. Wang Kanglin Kunming Institute of Botany of CAS, Guangzhou,
China
16. Yanyong Kangkarn - Royal Forestry Department, Bangkok, Thailand
17. Zhao Xia Research Institute of Tropical Forestry of CAF, Guangzhou,
China

Rattan Nursery and Plantation Stock

systems Research and Development Bureau, College, Laguna, 4031

Philippines.
Ketphanh, Sounthone, et al. 2004. Country Report on Status of Rattan Production and Utilization in Lao Peoples Democratic Republic. In: Regional Conference on Sustainable Development of Rattan in Asia
(Proceedings), January 22-23, 2004, Manila, Philippines, Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, College, Laguna, 4031
Philippines.
Myint, U Win. 2004. Rattan and Rattan Industry in Myanmar. In: Regional
Conference on Sustainable Development of Rattan in Asia
(Proceedings), January 22-23, 2004, Manila, Philippines, Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, College, Laguna, 4031
Philippines.
Sutthisrisilapa, Chudchawan. 2004. Country Report on the Status of Rattan
Resources and Uses in Thailand. In: Regional Conference on Sustainable Development of Rattan in Asia (Proceedings), January 2223, 2004, Manila, Philippines, Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, College, Laguna, 4031 Philippines.
Wiyono, Bambang and Gregorio E. Santos, Jr. 2004. Present Status of
Sustainable Rattan Production and Utilization in Indonesia
(Indonesian Country Report). In: Regional Conference on Sustainable Development of Rattan in Asia (Proceedings), January 22-23,
2004, Manila, Philippines, Ecosystems Research and Development
Bureau, College, Laguna, 4031 Philippines.
PHOTO CREDITS:
1. Aida B. Lapis Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau
2. Armando M. Palijon UAida B. Lapis Ecosystems Research and
Development Bureau, Laguna, Philippines
3. Armando M. Palijon University of the Philippines Los Baos, Laguna,
Philippines
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ITTO - Philippines - ASEAN Rattan

Seed Importation

In the absence of local sources, seed importation is a welcome option.

However, information on the sources of seeds should be strictly scrutinized to prevent potential problems brought about by seeds collected
from inferior sources. Out-of-the-country seed sources should have information available for verification. Seed certification is a good requirement.
Established Plantations

With the recent establishment and development of plantations, seed

sources are now increasing thus decreasing the dependence on natural
sources. This option can be most reliable if the purpose for the established plantations is for seed production since seed certification can be
availed. Even if the purpose of the plantation is for seed production, it
would still be a good practice to select good mother trees. However, if
the purpose is otherwise, essential activity such as selection of good
mother trees should be conducted.

Established plantations of rattan

Genebanks and Germplasm Gardens

The world has already perceived rattans versatility as a rare material for
furniture and handicrafts thus different countries are exerting effort to
collect and maintain representative samples of different species of rattan.
Genebanks and Germplasm Gardens are potential good sources of
seeds since one can rely on the quality of planting materials.
In Malaysia, 33 genetic trials were established. Indonesia planted 20
species at the Bogor Botanical Gardens while Lao PDR has a germplasm garden of 8 species.

Rattan Nursery and Plantation Stock

In the Philippines, a genebank of 45 taxa was established in Los Baos

Experiment Station and Bukidnon with 25 taxa.

determine the appropriate number of seedlings to be raised.

Advertisement through billboards and other modalities could be pro-

vided to attract buyers and to create awareness for immediate communities which could possibly be the consumers.

In marketing ventures, product pricing is very instrumental.

Rattan plants selected and planted in the

genebanks and germplasm gardens

REFERENCES:

C. Seed Collection
i. Planning
Organization of a Collection Crew

A fruit collection crew should be organized to spearhead in planning

and carrying-out of activities pertaining to gathering of fruits. This
would systematically facilitate the scheduled activities.

An organized collection crew is a must

for a successful collection expedition
Acquisition of necessary permit

If the seed sources are in established plantations; privately-owned

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ITTO - Philippines - ASEAN Rattan

Ahmad, Joffre Bin Haji Ali, et al. 2004. Country Report on Rattan Industry in
Brunei Darussalam. In: Regional Conference on Sustainable Development of Rattan in Asia (Proceedings), January 22-23, 2004, Manila,
Philippines, Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, College, Laguna, 4031 Philippines.
Barizan, Raja and Merlyn Carmelita N. Rivera (Technical Editor). 2004.
Country Report on the Status of Rattan Resources and Rattan Industries in Malaysia. In: Regional Conference on Sustainable Development of Rattan in Asia (Proceedings), January 22-23, 2004, Manila,
Philippines, Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, College, Laguna, 4031 Philippines.
Diaz, Celso P and Mario DR. Ramos. 2004. Country Report of Production
and Utilization of Rattan in the Philippines. In: Regional Conference
on Sustainable Development of Rattan in Asia (Proceedings), January 22-23, 2004, Manila, Philippines, Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, College, Laguna, 4031 Philippines.
Do Thi Ngoc Bich and Aida B. Lapis. 2004. Country Report of Rattan in Vietnam. In: Regional Conference on Sustainable Development of Rattan
in Asia (Proceedings), January 22-23, 2004, Manila, Philippines, Eco-

Rattan Nursery and Plantation Stock

A. Planning
Planning should be made several months in advance for proper ad-

dressing of operation procedures including scheduling and coordination of activities, funding and manpower requirements.

B. Organization
Staff and employees should have sufficient technical knowledge on

nursery operations for better administrative and technical direction.

Trainings and seminars need to be conducted to equip people with

much needed skills and expertise.

timberland and gardens; and government-owned areas, permission

should be sought and the letter permits should be secured to avoid
conflicts.
Seed Calendar

Collection of seeds depends on the interplay of several factors such as

the physiographical condition and climatic type of the site. Proper timing is essential not only to avoid hazards during collection but ultimately to collect fruits/seeds in their best possible physiological condition which could lead to the production of high quality planting materials for plantation establishment. In Malaysia seed hardness is used to
confirm maturity and good germination. Whenever available, a seed
calendar should be a necessity for seed collection.

Regular meetings are essential to facilitate continuous and smooth

operation and ultimately to promote harmonious relationship among

staff and employees.

Ripe and unripe fruits of rattan

collected at the same time.

C. Budget
Nursery Managers should be able to anticipate the financial require-

ments of every target activity for this is essential in prioritizing scheduled endeavors and in proper allocation of budget.

Projections of future targets and expenditures are needed. Special

skills in fund sourcing are a plus factor for a Nursery Manager.

D. Nursery records

ii. Selection of Good Mother Trees

Like every selection activities, mother trees should be selected based

on their good growth, health, maturity, and freedom from pests and
diseases. Also to be considered is the purpose of selection.

A good nursery record is essential for planning, forecasting, budget-

ing and organizing nursery operations. It must demonstrate reliability and accuracy. It should include production records, cost records,
and technical operations.
E. Marketing
Marketing agreement maybe pursued with target buyers/clienteles to

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Mother plants exhibiting good growth and form

Rattan Nursery and Plantation Stock

iii. Fruit Collection

Manual removal of weeds should be made from time to time.

Documentations on the seed sources should

be available for verification.

Seeds or any plant parts to be used as planting

material should be collected from phenotypically-good mother plants to guarantee high

survival and value.
Freedom from pests and diseases is a critical

factor to consider since this will determine the Fruit collection using an
future performance of the progenies.
improvised stick
Appropriately ripe fruits should be collected

with utmost care to avoid contaminations. Mature fruits can be recognized by their outer
appearance or by examining the seeds.
In

Fruit collection done

through climbing

the Philippines, Calamus merrillii

(Palasan) and Calamus ornatus var. philippinensis (Limuran) fruits are best collected from
October to January. Palasan fruits when ripe
turn yellow or grayish while limuran fruits are
yellow orange and have black fruit tips.

vii. Sanitation
Good sanitation of the surrounding should be maintained. Proper

waste disposal and regular cleaning should be done.

F. Seedling Quality Control & Dispatch

The seedlings of specific species have specific requirements thus rais-

ing should be done following the established protocols.

Frequent grading and culling should be done to ensure the quality of the
planting stocks. Criteria such as size, age, health, vigor, stem and crown
ratio, and number of leaves are pertinent in grading the quality of the
stocks.
Hardened seedlings should be prepared at least one week before the

time of dispatch to the field. Special care is needed so as not to damage the roots. Use strong and durable containers.
Fertilization should be stopped 2 months before transplanting.

iv. Seed Extraction and Cleaning

Extraction and cleaning of seeds can be done manually and the proc-

ess should be carried out immediately when the fruits reach the nursery.
The outer scaly pericarp of rattan fruit and the sarcotesta need to be

removed prior to sowing to avoid low germination rate.

The pericarp can be removed by beating with wood, stomping, and

maceration while the sarcotesta can be partly removed by rubbing the

ITTO - Philippines - ASEAN Rattan

IV. NURSERY MANAGEMENT

Rattan Nursery and Plantation Stock

should be properly expelled manually or chemically.

Sterilization of growing medium and proper waste and water man-

agement would provide defense against fungal attacks.

Susceptibility to pests and diseases is greatly related to poor nutri-

tion. When necessary, fertilizer application should be done. In Lao,

after 45 days of rearing the seedlings, 1 soupspoon full of NPK
15:15:15 fertilizer dissolved in 20 liters of water is being applied
every 15 days and an increase to two spoonful when seedlings are
about 4 months old.

seeds together in a basin with water that is changed regularly until sarcotesta is removed to prevent fungal attack that may affect germination.
In Brunei Darussalam, seed extraction is done after 3 to 5-day soaking

in water followed by manual maceration in water and rubbing against a

wire screen.

In Malaysia, seed extraction is done through repeated rubbing of fruits

against sawdust or sand.

Weak and diseased seedlings should be culled to prevent possible

transmission of diseases.

v. Pest and Disease Management

Strict implementation of nursery hygiene should be carried out to

prevent pest and disease outbreaks on rattan seedlings.

In Malaysia, attacks of small insects are controlled by insecticides

such as Malathion and Dicofol. Fungicide application at 2 to 3

weeks interval is also conducted to minimize incidence of leaf blight
and leaf spot.

Knowledge on IPM is of great help in addressing problems on pests

to arrive at a low-cost but effective approach to pest management.

Stomping

Maceration

Cleaning

v. Seed Storage
Seed storage is a technique where seeds are kept in an environmental condition such that they are maintained alive and yet prevented
from germinating (Lapitan, 1991). The usual purpose of this technique is
to keep excess viable seeds for future use especially during season of the
year when seeds are not available in the stands.

vi. Weed Control

Weeds should be removed as soon as they appear to prevent com-

petition with the seedlings for nutrients, water and light.

No weeds should be allowed to flower and fruit along the paths,

roads including the immediate surroundings of the nursery thus

regular cutting and/or trimming are necessary.
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Excess water due to cleaning should be removed from the seeds to prevent rotting
before putting in a clean container for storage

Rattan Nursery and Plantation Stock

Dependent on environmental conditions.

Generally, as soon as seeds mature on the mother plant, they begin

to deteriorate. The rate of deterioration is dependent on the environmental conditions around the seed or on the conditions where the
seed is stored. Proper seed storage aims at maintaining the viability
of the seed at the highest possible level.
Viability is determined by the moisture content and the temperature

while in storage.

In practice, the temperature can only be controlled by keeping the

fruits in a well-ventilated shade or storing the seeds in cold storage.
The moisture content can be controlled by drying. Reducing the moisture content to less than 40% is detrimental. It lessens viability. On
the other hand, increasing to more than 60% will hasten germination
of rattan (Mori, et al., 1950).
Rattan can be stored as seed or as a fruit.

tity of water but at frequent intervals, while large seedlings require

more water for adequate growth.
Well-watered seedlings look healthy

and vigorous while insufficient watering of the plants will cause wilting and
stunted growth.
It is better that the seed bed be wa-

tered at least 2 times a day.

Watering of seedlings

iii. Shading
Keep seedlings from direct sunlight.
This is required especially during the most delicate growth stage

which is during or shortly after transplanting/potting of germinants.

Rattan seedlings exhibit very slow growth under too much shade,

thus about 50% transmitted sunlight is necessary.

Based on the study on Calamus merrillii and C. manillensis, the longest storage period for extracted seed is only two months in cold storage (refrigerator) and reaches four months at ordinary room temperature. The fruit (unextracted seed) can be stored in cold storage for 3
months and 7 months at ordinary room temperature but with low viability (11-15%). The scale and fleshy pulps somehow aid in retaining
moisture of the seed. Rattan seeds can retain viability of more than
60% for about a year when stored one meter below the ground.
In Indonesia, ripe fruits are put in polyethylene or plastic bag and
stored at humid condition for 1 to 2 months, and sprayed with water
twice a day.
D. Other Sources of Planting Stock
When seeds are not available in the stands or in the market, one
cheap but laborious approach is to collect wildings or resort to the most
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Shading

iv. Plant Health Management/Nutrition

Rattan is mostly attacked by rodents thus proper fencing is needed

for protection.
Termites feeding on coconut coir dust when used as sowing medium

Rattan Nursery and Plantation Stock

E. Cultural Practices
i.

advanced planting stock source the tissue culture laboratories.

Potting/Transplanting

i. Wildlings

Pot germinants after a month from sowing or when the height is

about one inch and the first leaf is about to open.

In Lao PDR, potting soil composition is 60% top soil, 30% sand and

Collect suckers or newly germinated wildlings with height not exceed-

ing 30 cm. Based on past experiences, taller materials results to high

mortality.

10% manure. In Malaysia, it is a common practice to use 3:1 ratio

of soil and sand.

Do not collect materials with one or two leaves only to avoid high mor-

Holes on the soil should be made to accommodate the root system

Collection of planting materials is best realized during rainy season to

tality. Collect wildlings with at least 3 leaves.

avoid fast and over desiccation.

of the germinated seedlings.

Provide much needed shade using one layer of ordinary black gar-

den net. 50% shading is recommended for Calamus tenuis in Lao

PDR.

Extra caution should be noted in uprooting the wildlings or suckers.

Avoid damaging the roots.

Exercise utmost care in pricking the germinants so as not to dam-

age their roots. A pointed stick is useful to loosen soil attached to

the roots.

Hole digging on wet soil

Transplanting of germinants

Caring of transplants

ii. Watering
Maintaining moisture is necessary for vital processes to work thus

watering is an essential activity. This however is dependent on

seedling size and stage of development.
Healthy wildlings ready for collection
Small seedlings just past the germination stage need lesser quan-

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Rattan Nursery and Plantation Stock

ii. Tissue Culture

Collect suckers 15 cm tall or less and with

well-developed root system.

Plantlets from tissue culture laboratories are provided with procedures

on proper handling and care. In considering this option, presence of

such facilities should be guaranteed.

Collect newly germinated wildlings with

height not exceeding 30 cm. Based on past

experiences, taller materials results to high
Wildings for ready collection mortality.
Collect materials with no less than 3 leaves to have higher survival

rate.

Plantlets reared in the laboratory ready for acclimatization in the nursery

Extra caution should be taken in uprooting the wildlings or suckers.

Roots should not be damaged. Appropriate digging tools should be

used.
Transported collections should be processed and maintained immedi-

ately in a recovery chamber under a cool

and completely shaded area to overcome transport stresses.
If the nursery is too far from the collec-

II. NURSERY ESTABLISHMENT

tion site, roots of wildlings should be

then prevented from drying by covering
with soil, moss or banana leaf sheath.

Potted wildlings

D. Potting Media
A. Site Selection Criteria

Forest soil is best but ordinary

A permanent nursery must be established to provide continuous

garden soil is acceptable as potting

medium for rattan mixed with 10%
rice hull or any organic matter to
improve the physical and chemical
properties of the soil.

planting materials.

The site should be accessible enough or within the vicinity of public or

private transport system and can be reached by any form of transport

system. This would lessen the cost of nursery establishment. It also
reduces cost of transporting the seedlings.

Depending on the number of seedlings to produce, the nursery should

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Fill in the 4x6 plastic/poly bags

Plastic bags with potting media

with the prepared media and arrange in pot beds under the shade.

Rattan Nursery and Plantation Stock

be wide enough to accommodate the nursery facilities.

Accessible water sources and adequate water supply must be ensured

to make certain the smooth conduct of nursery activities.

Seedbox preparation

Watering

Installation of base
lining

Putting of germination
media

Sowing of seeds

Covering

The gradient should be slightly sloping for good drainage and with rela-

tively good exposure to sunlight. The soil must also be given consideration. It must be of good quality and preferably with good humus
content.

B. Germination Media
Forest soil or ordinary garden soil is

acceptable to use. However, sterilization should be employed to prevent

fungal attack on germinating seeds.

A well-planned permanent nursery

B. Preparation and Establishment

In Brunei Darussalam, germination

medium is comprised of a mixture of

topsoil and fine sawdust.

Germination media mix

In Lao PDR, seeds of Calamus tenuis germinate best in deep, moist

coconut fibers.

C. Wildling Culture
Wildlings are seedlings that naturally grow from fallen seeds on forest

floor.
Suckers are side shoots or plants growing out of the nodes or base of

mature rattan plants.

Collection of planting materials is best realized during rainy season to

avoid fast and over desiccation.

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Road construction to facilitate movement of materials for nursery construction

To include in this activity are the construction of fences and/or estab-

lishment of hedges or live fence along the perimeter of the nursery to

ensure protection from intruders and stray animals.

Rattan Nursery and Plantation Stock

Roads and pathways should be properly laid out for ease in move-

ment within the area. Moreover, water supply system should be properly laid-out and appropriately installed.

C. Other Necessary Facilities

Other facilities include seedbeds/pot beds, potting shed, recovery

shed, hardening shed, hardening beds, green house, seed boxes/

trays, germination chamber and storage rooms for tools/equipment
and materials.

Offices and storage rooms may be provided to keep records of nurs-

ery activities and for safe-keeping of nursery supplies and chemicals,

respectively.

In Lao PDR, large quantities of fruits are soaked in cold water for 7 to

10 days with daily change in water to prevent fungal growth. Seedcoat

and flesh are removed either before or after soaking. For smaller quantities, after seedcoat and flesh removal, hilar cover is removed to induce fast germination.

Immediately sow the seeds about 1 cm apart in a layer of sawdust or

coir dust with about 3-4 inches thickness in seed boxes/trays or germination chamber.

Cover with thin jute sack and place in a partly shaded area to prevent

desiccation. In Brunei Darussalam, germination beds are provided with

sarloin nettings (50% to 75% sunlight off.)

Large seeds are sown in shallow drills. Smaller seeds are broadcast

evenly. The sown seeds are covered with a thin layer of sawdust; a
protective mulch of rough sawdust is also placed on top; and then watered (Joffre Hj Ali Ahmad, 2004).

Rattan seeds can also be sown in seedbeds or seedboxes with equal

ration of garden soil and humus and placed under partial shade.
Fungus attack can be prevented by treating the seeds with fungicide

before sowing.

III. PLANTING STOCK PRODUCTION

A. Seed Germination Treatments
Extracted and cleansed seeds should immediately be sown to maxi-

mize germination.
Treatments can be applied to enhance seed germination such as

soaking in hot water for 1 day; 3-day soaking in running water; washing with sulfuric acid for 3-5 minutes; and scarification, nicking or slicing through the embryo cover. In the Philippines, hilar cover is removed to accelerate germination.
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Keep the seeds moist by daily watering either manually or with the use

of sprinkler or misting system. Frequency depends on the daily

weather prevailing on the site.
Those seeds that germinate rapidly and vigorously under favorable
conditions are likely to be capable of producing vigorous seedlings while
weak or delayed germination is often fatal. Seed germination should take
place only in at most three weeks.
Note:
Gernination of fully matured seeds is hastened by sufficient amount of
moisture.