R. Sitinjak, D. Pandiangan
Oct 1, 2014
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Journal
Agrivita : Journal of Agricultural Science
Abstract
ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of plant growth regulator triacontanol to the growth of cacao seedings ( Theobroma cacao L.). A completely randomized design was applied using non-factorial pattern on the treatment triacontanol growing regulator substance to level: 0.0 ml/L, 0.1 ml/L, 0.5 ml/L, 1.0 ml/L and 2.0 ml/L replicated 5 times. The result shows that the given of tria-contanol significantly affected the growth of cacao seedings at the age of 14 weeks. The best tria-contanol concentration was 1.0 ml/L, which was effectively able to increase the growth of cacao seedlings; high seedlings, number of leaves, lenght of leaves, and diameter of stems respectively reached 26.21%; 3.70%; 42.28%; and 10.42% higher than the control. Plant growth regulator triacontanol was efective to increase the growth of cacao seedlings. Keywords: triacontanol, seedling, Theobroma cacao L. INTRODUCTION Cacao ( Theobroma cacao L .) is of the family of Malvaceae which is tree-shaped originating from South America. In the region of origin, cacao is a small plant at the bottom of the tropical rain forest and is shaded by large trees. In general, the cacao can be divided into two major types, namely Criollo and Forastero. Criollo is high-quality cacao, but in cultivation, it requires intensive treatment. Cacao plants produce seeds that serve as the main ingredient for chocolate. Chocolate is a favorite food, which contains high nutrition. Chocolate is highly nutritious and required as the ingredient for chocolate candy, ice cream, and various types of food. This plant is one of the commodities suitable for smallholders, as they can flower and bear fruits throughout the year, which could serve as the source of daily or weekly income for growers. In addition, cacao is also one of non-oil export commodities which fairly has bright prospect for domestic demand that is also stronger along with the development of agro-industry sector. However, if the land is obviously complicated factor, and poor nutrients, especially micro elements, natural hormonal factors, climate and weather, pest and disease factors are not considered, then the level of production and quality will be low. Viewed in term of the quality of the results, people are still unsutisfied with the cacao cultivation, which usually starts from planting to harvesting, especially when the cacao seeds start to germinate. Because cacao seeds have no dormancy period and germi-nation power rapidly declines, then the cacao seeds should be planted (Indonesian Coffee and Cacao Research Institute, 2010). When the seeds have germinated, they can be planted directly into a polybag. One effort to increase the potency of seeds that have been planted in polybags, is the treatment of plant growth regulator (PGR) is appropriate. Growth regulator is only needed in small amounts to determine the course of physiological processes, growth, differentiation, and development (Davies, 1995). The hormone is only effective within a certain amount. Too high concentrations can inhibit plant growth even lethal, while less optimum concentration may bring to ineffective-ness. Synthetic growth hormone can improve crop yields, both through vegetative propagation and embryogenesis (Gana, 2010).