Spatial Variability of Fruit and Seedling Growth of Mindi (Melia azedarach L.) in Community Forest, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Mindi (Melia azedarach L.) is mostly found in community forests of West Java. Important factors affecting the productivity of community forests is the use of quality seed. However, seed quality is not easily available. Currently, community forests serve also as ad hoc seed sources that are usually without appropriate quality assessment. This research was aimed to determine baseline information on spatial variability of Mindi fruits collected from five seed sources, and seedling growths treated in seven different growing media consisting mixtures of soil, rice husk, sand, and cattle manure. Five Mindi populations were selected in the following villages: Nagrak (Bogor), Babakan Rema (Kuningan), Padasari (Sumedang), Sukakarya (Bogor) and Gambung (Bandung). The results showed that variability of seed dimension (CV=4.82-14.37%) and seedling growth (11.79-21.77%) were moderate. The Mindi fruits from Nagrak were found to be the biggest in terms of size (1.22 ± 0.17 cm), weight (0.40 ± 0.04 g), and seed set (85.47 ± 15.09%). Besides, the seedling growth from Nagrak was also better than those of other villages showing its potential for future seed sources. Growing media containing cattle manure were observed consistently to be the best for seedling growth. The findings are useful in supporting the selection of seed sources from community forests scientifically.

Mechanical properties and biological performance of particle board made of sendan (Melia azedarach)

“…In addition, it has also been in use as a construction material due to its good termite resistance in Okinawa Prefecture (Yaga 1978). In Indonesia, M. azedarach is known as Mindi and planted as an important species for community forestry (Irmayanti et al 2015). Researchers in the Middle East, South America, and South-east Asia have reported its usage as a constituent of PBs (Hegazy and Aref 2010, Trianoski et al 2011, Suhasman et al 2012.…”