DOI :https://doi.
org/10.
36378/juatika.
eissn 2656-1727
pissn 2684-785X
Hal : 110 Ae 118
JUATIKA
JURNAL AGRONOMI TANAMAN TROPIKA
VOL.
6 NO.
1 January 2024 Test For Germination of Cocoa Seeds (Theobroma cacao L.
) Using Different Storage Lengths Wahyudi* dan Gusti Marlina Universitas Islam Kuantan Singingi Jl.
Gatot Subroto KM 7.
Kebun Nenas.
Teluk Kuantan.
Sungai Jering.
Kabupaten Kuantan Singingi.
Riau 29511 Indonesia *Email : wahyudi.
uniks@gmail.
ABSTRACT
Cocoa is one of the plantation commodities that has quite an important role in Indonesia's economic activities.
Based on data from the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) in 2021 and 2022.
Indonesia is ranked 7th as the largest cocoa-producing country in the world.
Apart from increasingly open export opportunities, the domestic cocoa bean market is still quite large.
One of the problems in preparing high-quality seeds is seed storage time.
Seeds that are stored will experience deterioration or decline in quality with signs of decreased quality, low viability and vigor, poor planting, and reduced yields.
This research aims to determine the extent to which cocoa seeds are able to germinate well if stored for a certain time so that they can become a benchmark for seed users for sowing.
The research approach was carried out qualitatively using mathematical methods.
Data is analyzed and displayed in table form.
Treatment 0 seeds were planted immediately.
Treatment 1 seed was stored for 1 week, treatment 2 seeds were stored for 2 weeks, treatment 3 seeds were stored for 3 weeks, and treatment 4 seeds were stored for 4 weeks.
The research results on the germination capacity of cocoa seeds with different storage periods showed that the best treatment was for seeds planted directly in the nursery, with water content 35.
7%, germination time 12.
3 days, germination capacity of 97.
Keywords: cocoa, germination, seed storage Copyright A 2024.
The authors.
This is an open access article under the CC BY license .
ttps://creativecommons.
org/licenses/by/4.
Wahyudi & Marlina
INTRODUCTION
The plantation industry is a resilient sector that can withstand economic shocks and play a crucial role in national economic recovery.
In 2022, the plantation sub-sector is projected to 76% to the total GDP and hold a significant share of 30.
30% in the Agriculture.
Forestry, and Fisheries sectors, making it the leading sector in this domain.
Among the plantation commodities, cocoa holds a significant Indonesia's It serves as an important export commodity, contributing to foreign Remarkably.
Indonesia ranks 7th globally as the largest cocoa producer.
Furthermore, the domestic market for cocoa beans remains substantial, alongside the expanding export opportunities (Statistik Kakao Indonesia.
, 2.
development of cocoa in Indonesia, it is cultivation techniques, starting with proper seed preparation.
A critical issue in preparing high-quality seeds is the storage time of the seeds.
Cocoa seeds are considered recalcitrant seeds, meaning they have a high water content.
Prolonged storage of these seeds can lead to a decrease in germination rates, ultimately affecting the growth of seedlings in the field in terms of both quality and quantity.
Taini et al.
noted that stored seeds may deteriorate, resulting in reduced quality, low viability, decreased vigor, poor growth upon planting, and lower yields.
Seed deterioration poses a challenge to seed preservation.
Both environmental and genetic factors impact the longevity of seeds.
Temperature and humidity are key environmental factors that affect seed storability.
High storage temperatures can accelerate metabolic processes within seeds, particularly respiration, leading to increased enzyme activity and faster breakdown of food Juatika Vol.
6 No.
reserves, ultimately compromising seed In terms of humidity, seeds strive to maintain equilibrium between internal and external moisture levels.
Cocoa seeds, with high water content, are typically stored without special treatment, resulting in water evaporation and condensation on the seeds.
Seeds with strong vigor exhibit better longevity in Different seeds necessitate distinct storage methods, with seed type being a significant factor.
For instance, seeds from the recalcitrant group are prone to deterioration if stored for extended periods due to their high water content (Triani, 2.
Recalcitrant seeds include seeds that spoil quickly and cannot withstand long storage at low temperatures and The purpose of seed storage is to obtain available seeds that have high viability at a certain time until the seeds are used for planting, as well as to provide seeds for the next planting season or preserve plant seeds.
The study conducted by (Aji et al.
regarding the storage time for mahogany seeds significantly impacted the growth rate, number of leaves, and dry fruit weight, ultimately affecting the viability and growth of mahogany seeds.
Notably, a storage time of 2 weeks resulted in the highest viability and However, this study did not demonstrate any significant effects on water content, growth percentage, plant height, and stem diameter.
On the other hand, in the research conducted by (Triani, 2.
, it was found that long-term storage of lychee seeds for 6 days led to lower germination rates compared to seeds that were not stored or stored for 3 Additionally, lychee seeds stored for 6 days exhibited a 4-day delay in germination compared to seeds not stored or stored for 3 days.
Research conducted by Rohandi and Widyani in 2016 on Tengkawang seeds stored for 0-4 weeks revealed significant impacts on germination capacity and speed.
Wahyudi & Marlina Juatika Vol.
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Given this, it is imperative to investigate the storage duration of cocoa seeds without any specific treatment.
Understanding the germination potential of stored cocoa seeds can serve as a reference point for those utilizing them for planting purposes.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The study was conducted in two different locations: Basic Labor to observe the seeds' water content and in the Experimental Garden's greenhouse at the Faculty of Agriculture.
Kuantan Singingi Islamic University, to monitor germination time and power.
The research took place between November and December 2023.
The average air temperature during this period was 28.
8 0C, with a relative humidity of 81%.
The materials and equipment utilized included Porestero variety cocoa seeds from local plantations in Koto Kari village.
Kuantan Tengah District.
Dithane M45.
Pasir Kali, an oven, digital scale, tray, polyethylene (PE) plastic, hand sprayer, and stationery.
The qualitative approach with mathematical Data was analyzed and presented in tabular format.
Seeds for Treatment 0 were planted immediately, while seeds for Treatment 1, 2, 3, and 4 were stored for 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks The research stages are illustrated in Figure 1:
- Take samples of 10 seeds from each Research in the Laboratory Research in a treatment, then weigh the wet weight and dry weight after being in the oven for 2 x 24 hours at a temperature of 60 - Preparing containers and planting media The container used is a tray measuring 40 x 25 x 8 cm .
x w x .
Meanwhile, the media used is river sand with a thickness of 5 cm Planting Process The seeds are planted in sand media by immersing them 1 cm into the surface of the The planting distance used is 3 x 5 - Observation Seed moisture content Germination Time.
Germination Power (%) Preparing Seeds Open the fruit 1/3 in the middle of the fruit, separate the seeds from the pulp using husk ash by squeezing with your hands, then soak with the fungicide dithane M-45 for 15 minutes.
The seeds are stored in 1 kg PE plastic which is then planted and stored according to each - Maintenance Maintenance activities are carried out by watering the planting media every morning 00 WIB.
Watering is carried out using ordinary water with a hand sprayer with field capacity criteria.
Watering is carried out until the age of 21 days.
Figure 1.
Research implementation flow diagram Wahyudi & Marlina Juatika Vol.
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The parameter observations carried out in this research are as follows:
Seed moisture content (%) is determined using the formula:
Note :
KA= Seed moisture content.
M1= weight of cup empty lid.
M2= weight of cup lid seeds before heating.
M3= weight of cup lid seeds after heating.
Germination time .
is calculated by the number of days the seed germinates with the criteria that the plumule has emerged on the surface of the planting The formula for sprout speed is:
Note :
N: Number of seeds germinated at time of Tx.
T: Time required to germinate.
X: 1, 2, 3,.
Germination capacity (%) is seen from seeds that germinate up to 2 1 hss.
The formula for germination is:
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
1 Kadar Air Benih (%) The results of research conducted on seed water content can be seen in Table 1.
Table 1.
Seed Water Content at Different Storage Times (%).
Seed Treatment Water Content (%) Storage 0 Weeks Storage 1 Week Storage 2 Weeks 3 Weeks Storage 4 Weeks Storage The seed moisture content refers recommended to the quantity of water present in the recalcitrant seeds ranges from 30% to The presence of high or low water 40%.
The process of weighing cocoa content in seeds significantly impacts seeds to ascertain their water content is their viability.
According to the guidelines illustrated below in Figures 2 and 3.
established by (Permentan, 2.
, the Figure 2.
Results of weighing the wet weight of cocoa seeds for each treatment of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks of storage.
Wahyudi & Marlina Juatika Vol.
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Figure 3.
Results of weighing the dry weight of cocoa seeds for each treatment of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks of storage.
Based on the findings from the The reduction in seed water observations conducted, the moisture content observed during the 4-week content of seeds that underwent 0 and 1 treatment negatively impacted seed week of storage complied with the viability in this research.
For instance, the standard, specifically 35.
7% and 36%, germination time in Table 2 and However, seeds germination capacity in Table 3 were subjected to 2 and 3 weeks of storage affected, leading to abnormal growth exceeded the standard, with 42.
8% and processes in germinated seeds and 6% moisture content, respectively.
eventual seed death.
Tresniawati et al.
Conversely, the seeds stored for 4 weeks .
state that a decrease in water had a significantly lower moisture content content contributes to seed deterioration.
than the standard, measuring only 27.
Similarly.
Sukesh and Chandrashekar The reason behind the low water .
emphasized that decreased water content in the seeds stored for 4 weeks content during storage significantly can be attributed to the lack of influences seed viability.
airtightness in the PE plastic used.
Halimursyadah .
highlighted Consequently, the external environment the importance of water in preserving the substantially impacted the water content viability and vigor of recalcitrant seeds within the seeds as they attempted to during storage, as it plays a crucial role in achieve equilibrium with their storage maintaining Sutopo .
states that macromolecule stability.
A decline in seeds are hygroscopic and consistently water content during storage can result in strive to attain a state of equilibrium with metabolic disorders, seed deterioration, their environment.
Therefore, when the and seed death.
air humidity in the storage area is low, the 3.
2 Germination Time .
seeds will endeavor to increase the Based surrounding air humidity by evaporating observations regarding the germination the water within them, decreasing their time of cocoa seeds can be seen in Table water content.
Table 2.
Germination time for different seed storage .
Seed Treatment Germination Time (Da.
Storage 0 Weeks Storage 1 Week Storage 2 Weeks 3 Weeks Storage 4 Weeks Storage As per the observations, the cocoa ineffective.
Rather, it indicates that the seeds in the 0 week treatment exhibited seeds undergo various physiological the longest germination time, specifically germination processes within themselves.
32 days after sowing .
Although These processes include imbibition, this treatment requires a longer duration enzyme activation, breakdown of food for growth, it does not imply that it is reserves, embryo formation, seed coat Wahyudi & Marlina Juatika Vol.
6 No.
rupture, and eventual emergence of roots for 24 hours, and soaking them in the leading to sprout development.
fungicide Dithane M45 for 15 minutes.
Based on the research conducted This treatment allows the recalcitrant by Wahyudi in 2019, the growth of the seeds to undergo metabolic processes embryonic axis in seed sprouts results necessary for germination, albeit slower from two main events: the enlargement of than seeds planted directly.
Observations existing cells and the generation of new in the storage room revealed that some cells through cell division at the growth seeds stored in PE plastic bags had various already begun to release radicles.
biochemical processes occur, facilitating Consequently, when these seeds are the transportation of essential nutrients transferred to the nursery, the metabolic such as water, sugar, amino acids, and processes will accelerate due to the organic ions.
These nutrients are then optimal growth conditions, facilitating transformed into proteins, nucleic acids, normal Oktavia polysaccharides, and other complex Miftahorrachman .
noted that the molecules, eventually developing into transition from seeds to sprouts begins organelles, cell walls, cell membranes, immediately after ripening and continues tissues, and organs.
Typically, this during storage.
process is marked by the emergence of a Cocoa seeds are classified as radicle from the seed coat, which grows recalcitrant seeds, meaning they cannot downwards to form the root system, while be stored for a long time due to their high the plumule grows upwards to establish water content.
If these seeds are stored the shoot system.
In line with the findings for an extended period, they will of Hasanah and Maharani in 2002, seed deteriorate and lose their viability.
A study germination involves a series of conducted by Sudrajat et al.
found metabolic activities that lead to the that after 3 to 4 weeks of storage, the growth of the plumule and radicle.
Post- germination of these seeds ceased.
Even harvest conditions, particularly seed when planted in the nursery, the seeds storage, greatly influence the viability of stored in PE plastic showed signs of deterioration, such as a change in color In the 1 and 2 week storage to blackish brown and fungus growth.
treatments, the seeds germinated at 4.
4 These observations indicate that the days and 2.
1 days, respectively.
In seeds had experienced decline or contrast, the germination time for the 0 deterioration.
This aligns with the findings week treatment was 12.
3 days, indicating of Kurniawan .
, who stated that that the seeds in the 1 and 2 weeks changes in the color of the seed coat, storage treatments germinated more seed death, and the growth of fungus The accelerated germination in characterize seed deterioration.
the seeds stored for 1 and 2 weeks can 3.
2 Germination Power (%) be attributed to the preparation process Based of the cocoa seeds, which involves observations on the germination capacity removing them from the fruit skin, of cocoa seeds it can be seen in Table 3 separating them from the pulp, air-drying below:
Table 3.
Germination Power at Different Seed Storage Times (%).
Seed Treatment Germination Power (%) Storage 0 Weeks Storage 1 Week Storage 2 Weeks 3 Weeks Storage 4 Weeks Storage Wahyudi & Marlina The 0 week or no storage germination capacity of cocoa seeds.
When the seeds are directly planted into the media, their food reserves remain intact, allowing for a successful germination process.
The high percentage of germination indicates that the seeds have enough energy stored as food reserves for germination.
This is Juatika Vol.
6 No.
possible because the cocoa seeds are planted directly into the nursery without any storage, ensuring their viability.
Wulandari et al.
mention that providing sufficient food reserves for the germination process allows for a longer growth period in the new environment before the plant can utilize its assimilation Figure 4 provides a visual capacity of cocoa seeds.
Figure 4.
Germination capacity of cocoa seeds for each treatment of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks of storage.
Cocoa necessitate deplete immediate planting in the nursery unless carbohydrates, they receive special treatment.
The Excessive respiration can generate treatment without storage in this study alcohol, damage cell membranes, and has resulted in a high germination reduce seed viability.
Tatipata et al.
capacity, considered a prerequisite for .
also note that decreased the physiological quality of recalcitrant germination is a physiological indicator of seeds, as stated by Sudrajat et al.
seed deterioration.
The physiological quality requirement for The lack of germination in the 3 recalcitrant seeds is a germination and 4 week storage conditions was not capacity ranging from 60% to 100%.
solely due to food reserves but also to The germination rates for the 1 water content, as evidenced in Table 1 of and 2 week storage treatments were the study.
The water content in the 4 9% and 38.
4%, respectively, indicating week treatment was only 27%, whereas a 56% and 63% decrease compared to the 0 week treatment had a water content immediately planted seeds.
It is evident of Regarding that as cocoa seeds are stored for longer capacity, the 0 week treatment had a rate periods, their viability decreases.
The of 97.
5%, while no sprouts emerged in reduction in germination is attributed to a the 4 week treatment.
Anjarwati & decrease in food reserves due to Adelina .
stated that recalcitrant prolonged seed storage.
Subantoro seeds are highly sensitive to drying, .
reduced leading to decreased viability and germination in seeds is a sign of germination with reduced water content.
diminished food reserves needed for Similarly.
Sari et al.
mentioned This reduction can result that recalcitrant seeds with high water from extended seed storage or unsuitable content do not undergo a dormant period.
storage conditions, leading to a loss of Although seed deterioration is inevitable.
Irawati et al.
explain that its progression can be slowed down respiration in recalcitrant seeds can Wahyudi & Marlina through appropriate treatments (Sari et , 2.
Cellular changes occur in dry recalcitrant seeds, leading to damage to the cell membrane and cell walls, irregular and invisible cell nuclei, and a decrease in the mitotic index (Irawati et , 2.
If recalcitrant seeds are exposed to critical water conditions, they will perish (Hasanah.
, 2.
Despite being stored in optimal conditions, the viability of recalcitrant seeds is limited to a few weeks or months (Anjarwati and Adelina, 2.
CONCLUSION
According to the findings from the study on cocoa seed germination with varying storage durations, it was evident that the most effective approach involved planting seeds directly in the nursery.
These seeds had a water content of 7%, a germination period of 12.
3 days, and a germination rate of 97.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The author wishes to extend his utmost gratitude to the Dean, the Head of the Agrotechnology study program, and the Head of the laboratory at the Faculty of Agriculture.
Kuantan Singingi Islamic University.
Their invaluable assistance in various aspects, including administrative support, guidance, and provision of laboratory and greenhouse facilities, has greatly contributed to the completion of this research.
Additionally, the author would like to express appreciation to the students who have contributed to the nurturing and observation of the sprouts in the field.
REFERENCE