Seed Morphology and Seedling Growth Modeling for Litsea cordata and Sloanea sigun in Java Montane Forests

Abstract

Studies on seed morphology, including size, germination, and seedling performance, of Litsea cordata (Jack) Huff. f. and Sloanea sigun (Blume) K. Schum, two species of Java montane forests, are still limited. This study aimed to provide insights into the seed morphology and seedling growth characteristics of L. cordata and S. sigun in a nursery setting. This study was conducted at the Cibodas Botanic Garden nursery using fresh seeds collected from trees. The seeds of L. cordata were larger than those of S. sigun. Over a four-month observation period, the germination index and performance scores of L. cordata were 51.25% and 1.98, respectively. The chlorophyll content at the seedling stage of L. cordata and S. sigun was 43.71±3.51 Nmol/cm2and 33.40±6.32 Nmol/cm2, respectively. Regression analysis of height-collar diameter growth in L. cordata showed an increase from the first-month observation to the fourth month, whereas S. sigun seedlings exhibited a stronger relationship between the third and fourth months. Overall, both the seed size and seedling performance of L. cordata were higher than S. sigun. Studying seed morphology and seedling growth modeling is useful for ensuring the sustainability of seed distribution and seedling survival in the field. The larger seed size of L. cordata results in seedlings remaining close to the parent tree. Low seedling survival in the field requires human intervention to preserve these two species.