PENENTUAN VIGOR KEKUATAN TUMBUH DAN VIGOR DAYA SIMPAN RELATIF BENIH MERBAU, AKOR DAN MINDI

Abstract

Seeds with high vigour are seeds with normal growth on sub optimum and above normal condition. To predict the performance of seedlings after planting and the storability of seed, it is necessary to test the seed vigour. The purpose of this research was to investigate the growth vigour and storage vigour of merbau (Intsia bijuga), akor (Acacia mangium) and mindi (Melia azedarach) seeds. The viability levels was gained through different accelerated aging treatments by means of seeds saturation using ethanol steam (90%) and blowing heat air (50 0 C). The experiment was arranged in completely randomized design with each treatment being replicated four times with 50 seeds. The result showed that the vigour of seeds with lower viability is more responsive to decrease. Merbau seed previously placed in under pressure condition grew as well as that on optimum condition; hence merbau seed had highest growth vigour. Merbau and akor seeds were more resistant to the effect of aging or unsuitable condition during storage period, therefore those seeds has higher storability than mindi seed.