The evaluation of Indigofera seed production and quality in different environments

Abstract

Abstract Seed production and quality are pivotal factors in the success of Indigofera cultivation as forage crop for livestock. This study aims to evaluate the seed production and quality of Indigofera in different environments of Seed Production Unit (SPU). Seven distinct SPU’s, namely BPPIB-TSP Bunikasih, BBIB Singosari, BPTU-HPT Denpasar, BPTU-HPT Pelaihari, BPTU-HPT Sembawa, BBPTU-HPT Baturraden, and CV Cahaya Baru Semarang selected as the observed locations. Environmental data pertaining to elevation (m a.s.l.), annual rainfall (mm/year), temperature (°C), humidity (%), and light intensity (Lumen-hour) were collected for each unit. Seed production parameters were seed yield (g) and seed weight (g per 1,000 seeds). Seed quality parameters encompassed water content (%), purity (%), and viability (%). The analysis in this study involved assessing the mean differences in these parameters through the application of analysis of variance (ANOVA). The result showed the seed production and quality were diverse across SPUs, with BPTU-HPT Sembawa and CV Cahaya Baru Semarang demonstrating outstanding seed production, while BPTU-HPT Pelaihari maintains high-quality standards. The highest positive correlation emerged between elevation and water content (r = 0.72), highlighting the influence of altitude on the moisture content of seeds. The strongest negative correlation was observed between temperature and water content (r = -0.76), emphasizing the role of temperature in drying seeds.