Germination performance of Coffea arabica L. genotypes from different altitude, precipitation and temperature of seeds producing farms in Sumatera Utara of Indonesia

Abstract

Genotypes of Arabica coffee could perform different ability in seed germination. Biochemical contents of seeds could influence germination ability of seeds. Many studies reported that environment of seed producing site such as altitude, precipitation and temperature could affect amount of biochemical contents of seeds. However, germination ability of seeds of arabica coffee growing in different altitude and different climate zones of Sumatera Utara was not yet investigated. This research tested the effect of genotypes and these factors. Seven genotypes from seven different climate zones in seven districts of Sumatera Utara were tested for germination ability using randomized complete block design. The result showed that genotypes were significantly (a = 0.05) and highly significantly different (a = 0.01) in number of days to reach 80 % germination, percentage of germination, height of cotyledon, and height of the first leaf. Number of days to reach 80 % germination showed a significant negative correlation (r = -0.930**) with percentage of germination but a significant positive correlation (r = 0.759*) with altitude of farms. It could be concluded that Arabica coffee genotypes affected seed germination ability. Seed germination ability was more affected by elevation of seed producing location rather than by precipitation and temperature.