Evaluating Indigenous Practices for Petai (Parkia speciosa Hassk.) Seed Germination: The Effect of Seed Shelling and Seed Cutting on Germination, Growth, and Survival

Abstract

Parkia speciosa Hassk. (petai, pete, sator, and stink bean) is a medium to large tree native to Southeast Asia with various medicinal, wood, and shade tree uses. Its seed is an important component of Indonesian, Malaysian, and Thai cuisines. Petai is a common component of smallholder tree gardens throughout Indonesia. Indigenous propagation practices for this species are removal of the seed coat, cutting off to of the seed, or both, before sowing in prepared beds or containers. These practices are thought by farmers to accelerate seed germination and improve seedling growth. Seed cutting is also practiced to retain part of the seed for household consumption. A research trial was implemented to document the effect of seed shelling and seed cutting on seed germination, seedling growth, and seedling survival. Results indicate that both treatments accelerate-but do not increase-seed germination. Nine days after sowing, the treatments increased germination by 27-32% over the controls; the combination of the treatments increased germination by up to 70%. However, by 35 days all treatments and combinations achieved 100% germination. Seed cutting had a negative effect on seedling diameter and height growth. The combination of no shelling and cutting indicated higher seedling mortality over the study period. The findings support the use of the indigenous seed shelling practice but suggest discontinuation of seed cutting practices.

Interspecific and Intraspecific Rootstock Suitability for Vegetative Propagation of Petai (Parkia speciosa, Hassak.)

“…An indigenous practice to accelerate germination and seedling growth is to remove the seed coat and cut off ¼ to ½ the seed. Research verifies that both seedcoat removal and seed cutting accelerate but do not increase germination; however seed cutting may negatively affect seedling growth and survival (Roshetko et al, 2008).…”

“…This paper reports results from a study to identify viable vegetative propagation methods for Parkia speciosa using interspecific and intraspecific rootstock species. The market demand for petai seed as a food commodity generally exceed supplies, a justification of the indigenous seed cutting propagation practice mentioned above is to retain more seed for household consumption (Roshetko et al, 2008). In recognition of possible competition for seed supplies, the study tested interspecific and intraspecific rootstock suitability for petai scions in vegetative propagation.…”

Studies on Parkia timoriana (DC.) Merr: An endemic & economically important tree species of north east India

“…Due to hard seed coat, germination is very slow in Parkia which took around one to two months. Nevertheless, certain pre-treatments like seed coat shelling or soaking in water followed by sowing in plentiful light and space accelerate germination and promote uniformity in seedling growth under nursery conditions (Roshetko et al 2008) [16] . Six month old and 0.5 m tall seedlings of Parkia are suitable for transplantation in the field with 10 m × 10 m spacing between rows and plants (Wiriadinata & Bamroongrugsa 2016) [26] .…”

Bioactive compounds, food applications and health benefits of Parkia speciosa (stinky beans): a review

“…The agronomic practices used for the pre-treatment of seeds to overcome dormancy and accelerate seed germination are seed coat shelling or soaking of the seeds in water, ample light and space provision. These propagation practices are recommended as efficient and effective pre-treatment management practice for obtaining uniformity in seed germination and seedling growth [7]. Seeds are cut opposite to the micropyle for preventing damage to the embryo during seed coat cutting.…”