Penentuan Masak Fisiologi dan Ketahanan Benih Kenikir (Cosmos caudatus Kunth) terhadap Desikasi

Abstract

Cosmos caudatus Kunth is one of the indigenous plant species that can be used as natural herbal medicine, and vegetables. Plant Propagation of Cosmos caudatus Kunth using seeds. This research aimed was to determine the period of physiological maturity and to study the resistance of Cosmos caudatus Kunth seed to dessication. The research conducted at Medicinal Gardens Conservation Unit (MGCU) and Seed Technology Laboratory, IPB in December 2013 to April 2014. The first research used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 1 factor for 5 different harvest period (24, 28, 32, 36, 40 days after flowering (DAF)). The second experiment used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 2 factors, those are drying method and time. The drying methods used were of 2 types (drying with heated (38-42 °C and RH 30-36%), (drying unheated (28-32°C and RH 40-44%)) and times of drying (control, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 hours). The first research revealed that seed physiological maturity can be determined from the suitable harvest period of 40 days after flowering with the best viability and max dry weight of seed. The second research shows the Cosmos caudatus seeds not dried produce higher viability and vigor than dried seeds. Dessication using heating methods have lower viability and vigor than seeds dried with unheated and control methods.