Viability Tests On The Seeds Of Rafflesia Arnoldii R.br. And R. Patma Blume

Abstract

Rafflesia species are holoparasites that are threatened by habitat loss. The Center for Plant Conservation Botanic Gardens–LIPI has been pioneering ex situ conservation of the plants using grafting methods. This R. arnoldii and R. patma ex situ conservation effort using seed innoculation has proven to be a challenge. Studies on viability testing of seeds aims to ensure viable seeds for supporting ex situ seed innoculation conservation programs. This research aimed to: (1) observe the morphological characters of the seeds and (2) determine a method for viability testing. Morphological characters of the seeds were observed under a binocular microscope. The viability test using bioassay procedures included: (1) reagent preparation; (2) pre–staining; (3) embryo exposure; (4) staining, and (5) assessment. The research resulted in: (1) morphological characteristics of R. arnoldii seeds, 2–3–times larger than those of R. patma, and that seeds of the two species have distinct testas, and (2) techniques for bioassay viability testing of Rafflesia seeds, i.e. the viability test resulted in an estimated viability percentage of 78.75 ± 4.75 % ( R. arnoldii seeds) and 93.29 2.67 % ( R. patma seeds).