RESPONSE OF SEED GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF SENGON (Enterolobium cyclocarpum) TO WATER TEMPERATURE AND SOAKING DURATION

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effect of water temperature and soaking duration on seed germination and seedling growth. The research was conducted from April to June 2025 in a home garden located in Sumbersuko Village, Dampit District, Malang Regency, East Java, at an altitude of 450 meters above sea level. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a factorial arrangement was used, consisting of two factors. : The first factor is water temperature with four levels : S1 = 27°C (room temperature); S2 = 80°C; S3 = 90°C; S4 = 100°C. Meanwhile the second factor is soaking duration with three levels : L1 = 12 hours; L2 = 24 hours; L3 = 36 hours. This factorial design resulted in 12 treatment combinations, each replicated three times. The results showed a significant interaction between water temperature and soaking duration on seed germination and seedling growth. The combination of 100°C water temperature and a 36-hour soaking duration produced the highest germination rate, reaching 80%. Separately, increasing the water temperature from 80°C to 100°C was more effective in increasing germination speed and several growth variabels, including plant height, number and area of leaves, and root length, compared to soaking at room temperature. Similarly, soaking for 24 and 36 hours was more effective in improving germination rate, radicle length, plant height, and leaf area compared to a 12-hour soak. Specifically, the 36-hour soak produced the highest number of leaves.