Characterization and pretreatment of breaking seed dormancy Livistona speciosa Kurz, collection of Bogor Botanical Gardens

Abstract

The palm plant, Livistona speciosa Kurz, belongs to the Arecaceae family. The slow germination of the seeds is just one of the issues this plant faces throughout its growth. This research aims to identify seeds' morphological traits and the breakdown of seed dormancy. Observations made were testing viability, moisture content, characteristics of fruit and seeds, the effect of pretreatment on seed germination. The dry heat treatment at 50°C, the hot water soak at 50°C, the soak with GA and IAA solution for 1 hour, and the seed scarification treatment are the methods used to treat seeds that are breaking their dormancy. The results revealed the fruit was rounded, average length: 26,755 ± 1,253 mm; Diameter: 21.33 ± 1,356 mm and weight: 7,786 ± 0.906 grams. Ovoid-shaped seeds; average length: 20,772 ± 1.182 mm; diameter: 16.561 ± 1,160 mm and weight: 3.756 ± 0.648 gr. The highest germination capacity (pre-treatment of oven-dry 50°C and immersion with GA and IAA treatments) and the highest germination coefficient and simultaneously (hot water treatment at 50°C).