Understanding the physio-biochemical responses in Elaeocarpus tuberculatus Roxb. (often called the Wild Rudraksha) involves looking at its behaviour as a recalcitrant (desiccation-sensitive) seed. Unlike common garden seeds that can be dried and stored for years, these seeds are native to moist, tropical environments (like the Myristica swamps of the Western Ghats) and die when they lose much water. The most critical change is the drop in moisture content during desiccation in E. tuberculatus, the seed loses its ability to germinate. As water leaves the cells, the phospholipid bilayer of the cell membranes becomes unstable. This leads to electrolyte leakage, where essential minerals and salts seep out of the seed resulting in the loss of viability. The lack of water triggers the formation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). These “free radicals” attack the fats (lipids) in the cell membranes, creating malondialdehyde (MDA). High MDA levels are a primary marker of seed death. Free radical scavenging antioxidant enzymes like peroxidase (PO) and polyphenol oxidase (POD) show a sharp decrease in activity, leaving the seeds vulnerable to oxidative stress. The results of the present study suggests that the lack of raffinosemediated vitrification and uncontrolled oxidative stress are the primary drivers of recalcitrant nature of seeds in E. tuberculatus. These findings provide a vital physiological framework for the ex-situ conservation and cryopreservation of this endemic species.

Keywords:Elaeocarpus Tuberculatus Roxb; Seed Viability; Desiccation; Physiology; Biochemistry