Response of Germination of Cocoa Seed (Theobroma cacao L.) After Storage on Soaking Time with Onion Solution

Abstract

Cocoa seeds are recalcitrant seeds that are not resistant to high temperatures or are dry, sensitive to temperature, and low humidity. Application of plant growth regulators on seeds that are prepared can increase the viability of cocoa seeds after storage because they are considered important in the procurement of seeds. This research was conducted at Seed Technology Laboratory of Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, from October to November 2018, using a completely randomized design with 2 factors of treatment. The first factor is the length of storage with zeolite media with 2 levels that is stored for 6 days and 12 days, the second factor of soaking time with onion extract concentration of 20% with 5 levels that is 0,3,6,9,12 hours. Observation parameters were germination percentage, vigor index, germination rate, and seed height. The results showed that storage treatment with zeolite media had a significant effect on seed height. The treatment of soaking time had a  significant effect on seed height, the best soaking time with red onion solution was 3 hours soaking time. The interaction between the two has no significant effect on all parameters.