Viabilitas Benih Kurma (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Pada Lama Perendaman Air Kelapa yang Berbeda

Abstract

Propagating date palms from seeds presents challenges due to low viability (<20%) and a lengthy germination period of 100 days, necessitating pre-treatment before planting. Green coconut water serves as a natural source of Plant Growth Regulators (PGR) that can potentially stimulate date palm seed germination. This research aimed to determine the optimal duration of immersion in green coconut water to enhance the viability of date palm seeds. The study was conducted from January to February 2023 at the Laboratory of Agronomy and Agrostology, Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Science, Universitas Islam Negeri Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four treatment levels: without immersion in green coconut water, immersion for 1 hour, 2 hours, and 3 hours. Each treatment was replicated five times, with 20 seeds per replication. Parameters measured included germination rate, vigor index, maximum sprouting potential, and seedling dry weight. The study revealed that the length of submersion in green coconut water for 1 hour, 2 hours, and 3 hours had no effect on the viability of date palm seeds.