The seed handling technique for enhancement of viability of kayu afrika (Maesopsis eminii) seed

Abstract

Yuniarti N. 2016. The seed handling technique for enhancement of viability of kayu afrika (Maesopsis eminii Engl.) seed. Pros Sem Nas Masy Biodiv Indon 2: 37-42. Umbrella tree or kayu afrika (Maesopsis eminii Engl.) is included in the family of Rhamnaceae. This species is naturally spread in tropical regions of East Africa. In Indonesia, this plant is first introduced in West Java. Kayu afrika is a fast-growing exotic species with short life cycles. This type of wood can be used for construction timber industrial, pulp, particle board, flooring, poles and the building materials/mild or severe construction. Judging from the potential, kayu afrika is a species that potentially to be developed. To support the success of planting, the seed handling techniques are required as appropriate. The purposes of this study were to obtain the proper seed handling techniques to improve the seed viability of kayu afrika. The studies consisted of three aspects of activities, namely (i) the determination of the physiological maturity of fruit, (ii) the seed dormancy breaking techniques and (iii) the determination of the appropriate media for seed germination of kayu afrika. The experimental design used was a completely randomized design (CRD). The determination of the physiological maturity of fruit used a treatment of four colors consisted of green, yellow, purple and black. To determine the seed dormancy breaking technique, it was used five treatments consisted of control, fracturing, soaking in cold water and soaking in a solution of 50 ppm GA3 hormone. To determine the germination media, it was used five types of media that consisted of vermikulit, cocopeat, soil, sand and a soil and sand mixture (1:1). The results showed that the proper technique of handling the seeds to enhance the seed viability of kayu afrika included: (i) the physiological maturity of fruit characterized by black fruit, (ii) the best treatment to break the seed dormancy was soaking in cold water for 24 hours, and (iii) the best germination media was a mixture media of soil and sand (1:1).