Jali (Coix lacryma-jobi L.): Seeds, germination, and its potential

Abstract

Irawanto R, Lestari DA, Hendrian R. 2017. Jali (Coix lacryma-jobi L.): Seeds, germination, and its potential. Pros Sem Nas Masy Biodiv Indon 3: 147-153. Jali (Coix lacryma-jobi L.) belongs to Poaceae family. This plant is naturally found in wetlands areas on the banks of the river / riparian. That Jali classified as emergent aquatic plants, where one of the Purwodadi Botanic Garden interesting collections is aquatic plants collection. On the other hand, the riparian area/river waters that are the habitat of Jali. often affected by pollution due to various human activities. Pollution by wastewater from agricultural, domestic, urban, industrial and even, can damage aquatic ecosystems and disrupt human health. Jali usually grows wild and has not been known potential. Although very rarely used, some studies recommend Jali. phytotechnology to be utilized in wastewater treatment with constructed wetland system. Phytotechnology is a concept that addresses the role of plants as natural technology to solve environmental problems. Use of jali in phytotechnology very suitable for developing countries because it is simple, easy, and inexpensive as well as the potential to be developed on a large scale. Therefore, research on the propagation (seeds and germination) and its potential in environment phytotechnology is necessary. The study was conducted from March to June 2014 in the greenhouse of Environmental Engineering - ITS with seed material Jali. from Purwodadi Botanic Garden - LIPI. The results showed jali seeds are orthodox-recalcitrant, germinate about 1-2 weeks and germination phase about one month. 1-3 months old seedling need shade and plenty of water. Seedlings were grown when it's over 90 days (> 3 months) with 3-10 leaves, 1-4 segments on the rod, and the height average 30.5 cm.