Effect of sucker weight and seedling site on the growth of sago seedlings (Metroxylon sago Rottb.) in Papua

Abstract

This study aims to obtain sucker weight and appropriate seedling site as a source of sago seeds by using seedling techniques in polybags to improve seed quality on sago cultivation. The experiment used a factorial design arranged in a randomized block design with three replications. Factor A, namely sucker weight, consisted of <999 g, 1000-1499 g, 1500-1999 g and > 2000 g. Factor B is the seedling site, consisting of laying seeds in the field, greenhouse and paranet of 60%. The results of the study showed that there was no interaction between the sucker weight combined with the seedling site, but the sucker weight had a significant effect on the number of rachis and the number of primary roots per plant and the percentage of life seedlings. Higher rachis growth was 3.8 obtained from medium-sized sucker weights (1000-1499 g and 1500-1999 g) and the highest number of primary roots was 41.3. It is obtained at sucker weights of 1000-1499 g. Meanwhile, the higher percentage of seedling survival was obtained at medium to large sucker weights of 66.3-71.0%. Thus, multiplication of sago seeds using medium-sized sucker on polybag media is highly suggested.