Evaluation of Seed Viability and Quality for Santigi (Pemphis acidula J.R. Forst and G. Forst) Conservation: Assessing the Effect of Chemical and Physical Scarification

Abstract

Pemphis acidula J.R.Forst. and G. Forst. or santigi is a plant native to Indonesia, widely recognized for its high economic value.  Although listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), its existence in the wild is increasingly threatened by land degradation, climate change, and it suffers from low natural seed germination rates. This study aimed to evaluate the seed viability and quality of P. acidula and assess the effectiveness of chemical and physical scarification techniques on the viability of santigi seeds. Six scarification treatments were evaluated: control, 24-hour room temperature water immersion (24.9°C), 6-hour 80°C hot water immersion, 1-minute 10% H₂SO₄ immersion, 24-hour 250 ppm GA₃ soaking, and seed coat piercing. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality and Kruskal-Wallis (p > 0.05) for non-parametric comparison. The results showed that none of the scarification treatments significantly affected the germination rate of P. acidula seeds. This lack of response was primarily attributed to poor internal seed quality rather than the treatments themselves. The cut test revealed that the majority of seeds were nonviable or empty, lacking both embryos and endosperm. However, tetrazolium testing confirmed that the filled seeds remained viable, indicating that while some seeds possessed life potential, their quantity within the lot was insufficient. These findings suggest that the low germination rate resulted from a combination of poor seed quality and deep physical dormancy protected by a woody, spongy structure. Consequently, this study concludes that internal seed factors were the limiting constraints for this specific lot. Future conservation and propagation efforts must prioritize rigorous seed sorting and viability testing prior to applying scarification protocols.