The conservation of wild species banana (Musa velutina H.Wendl. & Drude) through seed germination technology

Abstract

Musa velutina H. Wendl. & Drude is a member of the Musaceae family, which is known as the pink velvet banana. This species has problems with seed germination. The seed coat has a hard layer of the outer integument that inhibits the germination process. This study aimed to determine the effect of the soaking time at various soaking media of the seven treatments on the seed germination of M. velutina. The method used a completely randomized design with seven treatments and three replications. The seeds were collected from a fruit bunch of M. velutina in Bogor Botanic Gardens. The number of seeds was 10 for each treatment. The treatments in this study were scarification by seed wounds, soaking seeds in 1% H2O2 and 5% H2O2 for four days, soaking seeds in hot water at 60°C and 80°C for 1 hour, soaking seeds in water for 24 hours and 72 hours. Then, as a control, the fresh seeds were sowed directly without treatment. The results showed that soaking in water for 24 hours was the best method for the early emergence of sprouts, the percentage of germination rate, the coefficient of germination rate, and the coefficient of simultaneous germination.