Seed Germination and Cuttings Growth of Piper Aduncum

Abstract

Sirih hutan (Piper aduncum L)is one of group shurbs tropical species, has potential to be developed as raw material of biomass based electricity. The aim of this research was to know seed germination and cuttings growth of P. aduncumplant as the first step in cultivation of this plant. Observation of flowers and fruits were done in secondary forest, while seed germination and growth of shoot cuttings were done in the laboratory. The results showed that P. aduncumseeds can be germinated in a relatively short time of 17 to 25 days with a fairly high germination percentage of 90 � 8.16% and germination rate of 4.7 � 0.34%. The growth of seedlings at 2 months old was 4.78 � 0.42 cm, plant height 3.97 � 0.27 cm, and relative growth rate 0.33 � 0.14%. The treatment of synthetic growth regulator had significant effect on shoot growth and root number on the plant stem cuttings. Preparation of seedlings ready to plant in a generative and vegetative for cultivation of these plants in the experimental plo