Seed germination of Syzygium nervosum DC. from different levels of fruit ripeness

Abstract

Syzygium nervosum DC. is a plant species that has much potential to be utilized, but little is known about seed's germination process. This study aimed to determine germination process of S. nervosum seeds from four stages of fruit maturity. This research was conducted descriptively by observing seed germination process using sand as a medium.  The seeds began to germinate on sand seedling media on the third day after sowing (DAS). The germination will continue until second week after the seeds are sown. Eight stages of seed germination were observed: Stage-1 (seed size increases and roots begin to appear 3-4 DAS); Stage-2 (seeds begin to burst and lift as the length of the roots and stems increases, 5-7 DAS); Stage-3 (the seeds rise above surface of the soil and the body parts become more clearly visible and split and the leaf shoots begin to emerge and develop, 8-11 DAS); Stage-4 (leaf buds become increasingly longer until buds are visible, 12-14 DAS); Stage-5 (leaves begin to appear to develop and form the first pair of leaves, (observed at 15-17 DAS); Stage-6 (the first pair of leaves is formed accompanied by the appearance of the second pair of leaves, (18-24 DAS; stage-7 (the first and second pairs of leaves are fully formed and the shoots of the third pair of leaves begin to appear, 25-30 DAS); and stage-8 (the formation of the third pair of leaves until the seedlings are ready to be transplanted, 31-33 DAS). It takes about 56-66 days to germinate.