Virola in same family as nutmeg, apparently nutmegs need mycorizzea symbiosis to flourish.. maybe good idea to grow in non-sterile soil.
Nutmegs are known to be difficult to germinate and cultivate. The seeds are large but have extremely limited dormancy and fertility after the seed has matured, meaning that the optimum time for germination will only last for a maximum of a few weeks. When the boxes are opened in Delft the seeds are carefully removed and potted in a mixture of one-third lava grains and two-thirds basic mixture of 30 per cent sand and 70 per cent peat. A small sample of old ectomycorrhiza-rich soil is placed near the seed-germination point. This has been taken from mature plants in the forestry-grown collection. This soil sample was very difficult to obtain due to phytosanitary regulations and restrictions; however importation was finally approved in 2001. The seeds are positioned sideways in pots to develop, with the germination tip just under the soil surface, and are kept in a seed germination incubator with bottom heat. Germination normally takes one week, but may take up to a maximum of three weeks. Seeds that arrive with a primary root already developed need approximately one week to adapt to the greenhouse conditions at Delft BG. The germinated seed needs to connect to the ectomycorrhiza as soon as possible for the plant to grow well.
ECTOMYCORRHIZAL ASSOCIATIONS
Mycorrhiza are fungi which form an association with plant roots to the mutual benefit of both fungus and plant (Smith & Read, 2008). Ectomycorrhiza are a type of mycorrhiza that most commonly form associations with a range of woody species (Walker, 2013) and are known to be important for optimal plant growth (Baar & Ozinga, 2007). The presence of ectomycorrhiza in soil samples can be easily recognised on roots by the presence of a structure known as the ‘Hartig net’ (Baar & Ozinga, 2007) (Fig. 1).Whilst a lot of research has been conducted on the value of mycorrhiza for plant growth there has been little research on mycorrhizal associations in pot-grown plants, particularly on tropical species. Without the presence of ectomycorrhiza there is no uptake of nutrients in exchange for carbohydrates (Baar & Ozinga, 2007). Ectomycorrhiza fungi develop into a net share of abundant growth consisting of very slender hyphae with a diameter of 0.0003mm. The ectomycorrhiza covers the rhizodermis and exodermis of the roots like a cloak and its hyphae penetrate into the parenchyma and further (endodermis, phloem and xylem) to envelop the plant cells (Fig. 2). All other mycorrhizal fungi, known as arbuscular mycorrhiza, ericoide mycorrhiza and ectendomycorrhiza, penetrate the host’s cells and are not visible from the outside. As soon as the primary root grows out of the seed, it needs to connect to the ectomycorrhiza to take up nitrogen as well as inorganic nutrients (Figs 3 and 4). At Delft BG fertiliser containing phosphorus is not used because it has been observed that nutmegs do not respond well to additional phosphorus in the soil. The investigation into the reason for this will be part of a future research project. The exchange of nutrients, sugar and water takes place in the Hartig net or between the hyphae of the ectomycorrhiza and the inner root cells. An additional benefit of ectomycorrhiza is the protection of young seedlings from other pathogens.
nutmeg pdf
https://journals.rbge.org.uk/index.php/rbgesib/article/download/28/70Also i came across some virola seeds for sale on etsy
https://www.etsy.com/listing/682800917/virola-surinamensis-peru-rare-fresh?ref=shop_home_active_2The seeds of Virola surinamensis are among the dark germinants, which is why they are covered with soil for successful germination and must be given about 2-3 cm deep into the earth.
Fill breeding pots with a right, spray with water, lay the seeds on the ground, cover them with a layer of soil and, in turn, spray them with water. The best way to cover the breeding pots with plastic wrap and ventilate daily or keep the earth moist. Otherwise, the pots can also be placed in matching room greenhouses until the seeds germinate and the seedlings are a few inches tall. It is important to ensure the supply of fresh air at least once a day in order to prevent and prevent mould.