Application of Gibberellic Acid (GA3) and Coconut Water with Stratification on Morphological, Anatomical, and Germination of Cherry Seed (Prunus jamasakura)

Abstract

Prunus jamasakura Siebold ex Koidz. (hill cherry) is included in the family of Rosaceae and used for ornamental plants. The dormant cherry seed has become an obstacle since it takes a prolonged time to germinate. Seed germination can be induced by the application of gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) and coconut water (CW) at low-temperature. This research aimed to determine the effect of GA 3 and CW combination followed by stratification in temperature 5 °C on the morphological and anatomical characters of cherry seed germination and to determine which combination is the most effective to trigger cherry seed germination. Completely randomized design (CRD) was performed on various concentrations; control GA 3 0 ppm + CW 0% (K 0 ), GA 3 750 ppm + CW 50% (K 1 ), GA 3 750 ppm + CW 75% (K 2 ), and GA 3 750 ppm + CW 100% (K 3 ). Cherry seeds were soaked in those combinations for 72 h. Then they were through 8 weeks of stratification. Germination was conducted within 30 days. The viability test showed that 100% of seeds are viable. The morphology showed an increase in seed length and endocarp cracks. Seed mass increased significantly (p < 0,05). The highest imbibition rate was 80,1% found in the K 1 group. No seeds germinated (germination percentage 0%) in all treatments. Based on the anatomy of the seeds showed an increase in cell size. This treatment was not effective in increasing the germination of cherry seeds, which were characterized by seeds that did not germinated.