Germination sensitivity of Candlenut (Aleurites moluccana Willd) on burning, sowing depth, and positions of seeds in the field

Abstract

The objective of the research was to assess the germination sensitivity of candlenut on burning, sowing depth, and seed positions in the field. The method used was a factorial in a randomized complete block design. With the least significant difference level of 5%, the results showed that germination rates were significantly sensitive on the interaction of sowing depth and seed positions. The interaction of sowing depth of 4 cm and the face up position yielded the highest germination rates with the average of 36 days. The lowest ones were the seeds sown at the depth of 2 cm with the face-up position, on average of 58 days. The cotyledon opening rates were significantly sensitive on the interaction of the sowing depth and seed positions. The sowing depth of 6 cm with the face-up position yielded the highest cotyledon opening rates, on average of 46 days. The lowest ones were the seeds sown at the depth of 2 cm with the face-up position, on average of 64 days. The seeds that germinated earlier did not automatically open their cotyledons earlier. The highest seed germination percentage was yielded by the sowing depth of 2 cm, on average of 47%. The lowest one was the seeds sown 6 cm deep, on average of 34%. Recommended treatment was the combination of the seeds sown 4 cm deep with the horizontal position. Treatment of seed burning should be done before sowing the seeds or sowing the seeds at 0 cm from the soil surface.