EFFECT OF HOT WATER PRE-GERMINATION TREATMENT ON THE GERMINATION POTENTIAL

OF FALCATA (Falcataria moluccana Miq.) BARNERBY & J.W GRIMES SEEDS

RHEYZEL JANE L.

An Undergraduate Thesis
Submitted to the Faculty of the College of
Agriculture, Forestry and Environmental Sciences
Mindanao State University at Naawan
9023 Naawan, Misamis Oriental
In Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the
Degree of

Bachelor of Science in Forestry

March 2023
 1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Rationale
Alcantara Molucca a (Miq.) Bargery & J.W. Grimes is known as Batai or Sangin. It is also known by
other scientific name such as Albizia falcataria (L.) Fosberg, Albizia moluccana Miq., and Paraserianthes
falcataria (L.) Nielsen, which are all considered synonyms (Arche et al., 1998; Marasigan et al., 2021). It is
belonged to the Fabaceae family. Batai is a fast-growing timber tree, that can be harvested in 4-7 years
(Nuronia et al. 2021).
Based only on records of herbarium specimens, the estimated area of occurrence (EOO), which is
close to 2.5 million km2, substantially exceeds the thresholds for an endangered category under criterion
B. This tree is widespread and grows in a variety of habitats, including disturbed and secondary ones. It
can be found at various elevations. It is assumed that the population is sizable and largely steady, and
that the area of occupation (AOO) will surpass threatened values. The rating is Least Concern (Chadbrun,
2020). It has been introduced, especially in lowland wet forests on Pacific and Indian Ocean islands, it has
the potential to be a problematic invasive plant (Krisnawati et al., 2011, CABI 2020). The wood from this
quickly growing tree is used for light construction (rafters, panels, hardboard, particleboard, and plywood),
general craft items like toys and musical instruments, packaging (boxes, pallets, and crates), matches,
pulp and paper, and small-scale industrial plantations (Krisnawati et al., 2011).
The seeds of the Fabaceae family frequently exhibit physical dormancy (Elzenga & Bekker, 2016).
There are some studies that tree species used techniques like scarification, soaking in boiling water, and
chemical use to end this dormancy (Soerianegara et al., 1993). In nursery operations, the selection of pre-
germination treatments and growing material is crucial. The most significant and prevalent propagation
media include soil, sand, and combinations of other organic materials (Mazo et al., 2020). According to
Mariappan et al. (2014), using sand as a germination medium produced impressive result for the
germination of tree seeds. Several studies observed that using hot water as pre-germination treatment
plus overnight soaking in tap water was effective to break the dormancy of falcata seeds (Rupinta. There
are current studies that using hot water as germination with different soaking time but the maximum length
of soaking time for falcata seeds is not yet determined. Thus, this study aims to determine the effect of
hot- water pre-germination with different soaking on Falcata seeds.

1.2 Objective
1.2.1 General objective
Generally, this study aims to determine the effect of hot water pre-germination treatment on the
germination of Falcata seeds.

1.2.2 Specific objective

Specifically, the study tries to find the following objectives:
 To determine the germination percentage of falcata seeds in different capacities of soaking time.
  To assess the survivability and mortality of falcata seeds in hot-water germination at different
soaking time.

1.3 Significance of the study

The results of the study will be of great beneficial to the students, it will give them the knowledge of
highest length of soaking time that could help them in growing falcata seeds. This study will provide the
farmers with further knowledge regarding which soaking time that are more effective when germinating on
falcata seeds. Lastly, this study could help for falcata growers to improve their techniques in germinating
falcata seeds.

1.4 Scope and Limitations of the study

This study will be conducted at College of Agriculture, Forestry and Environmental Sciences (CAFES)
of Mindanao State University at Naawan, located at Simanok, Naawan Misamis Oriental. It will take 30
days of germinating and it will use 300 falcata seeds. There are different types of pathogens that could
affect the germination of Falcata seeds. The fruits and leaves that will grow in Falcata seeds during
germination in 30 days will have. However, it is not included in this study.

1.5 Definition of terms

Falcata - belongs to the Fabaceae family, also called sengon locally. Sengon naturally grows in primary
and secondary rainforests, on flood terraces along rivers, and in sandy soils (Nuroniah et al., 2021).
Germination – is the sprouting of a seed, spore, or other reproductive body, usually after a period of
dormancy (Harrison, 2023).
Growth – the size and number of cells that an organism's cells grow as it goes through its life cycle (Wilth,
2021).
Growing media – is an external element that influences the germination and development of plant seeds.
Physical structure, water availability, and nutrient availability are external factors that affect seed
germination and seedling growth (Santosa et al., 2019).
Seed – is a miniature undeveloped plant which alone or in the company of stored food for its early
development after germination, is surrounded by a protective coat (Lambers, 2023).
Soak time – refers to the period that the seeds germinate in hot-water.
Seed treatment - refers to the process of treating seeds with fungicides, insecticides, or a non-chemical
combination of both to sanitize and decontaminate them from pathogenic organisms that can be spread
through the soil or through contaminated seeds and storage insects (Hasanuzzaman, 2019).
Survivability – refers to the seeds that remain alive during germination.
 2. Review of Related Literature

2.1 Botanical description of Falcata

 One of the most prevalent species found on upland fields in the Philippines is the fast-growing
exotic Falcataria moluccana (Miq.) Barneby& J. W. Grimes, Fabaceae (Mimosoidea) (Santos et al., 2010).
Since 1970, it has been grown in the Philippines for pulp and paper (FMB, 2009). Falcata can also be
utilized to create high-value wood products (Nemoto, 2002). Falcata's popularity is partly explained by its
adaptability to many soil types and its wood's favorable transport and loading characteristics (Krisnawati
et al., 2011). (Varis, 2011). Falcata is also favored by farmers since it can be used to produce high value-
added wood products (Nemoto, 2002). The preference of falcata can also be attributed to its ability to
grow in variety of soils (Krisnawati et al., 2011) and the wood properties which favors efficient transport
and loading (Varis, 2011). Farmers also favor falcata as it can be used as intercropped (Nissen et al.,
2001).

The inflorescence is axillary and made up of racemes or pedunculate spikes, which are
occasionally grouped in panicles. The 12 mm long, regular pentamerous, subtended to bracts, and funnel-
shaped blooms are bisexual or bell-shaped, and they are cream to yellowish in color. The fruit is a 10–13
cm long and 2 cm wide flat, straight pod. It lacks segments, is winged at the ventral suture, dehiscent
along both sutures with several seeds (15–20). The seeds' shape varies from subcircular to oblong,
measuring 6 mm long, flat to convex, and lacking an aril. They lack wings and are a dull to dark brown
color (Soerianegara and Lemmens 1993).

2.2 Economic Importance

P. falcataria is one of the significant commercial timber species used for both the pulp and paper
industry and furniture in West Java, where growing conditions are ideal. The wood is also appropriate for
standard Lightweight packing materials (such as packages, boxes, cigar and cigarette boxes, crates, tea
chests, and pallets), matches, wooden shoes, musical instruments, toys, novelties, and general turnery
are examples of applications for lightweight materials. The wood is a significant source of lightweight
veneer and plywood and is excellent for making blockboard, wood-wool board, and light- and medium-
density particleboard. The wood is heavily utilized in the production of rayon and in the provision of pulp to
produce paper (Soerianegara and Lemmens 1993; Krisniwati et al., 2011).

Falcata trees, which have significant economic value in the construction industry and were planted
as part of a local government unit (LGU)-led reforestation project on 1,297 hectares of uplands in
Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. As of 2011, the Philippines imported US$682.481 million worth of forest
products.
As part of the Upland Sustainable Agri-forestry Development Program, the Agusan del Sur project has
benefited 472 forest workers in total. Not only will it be a sustainable source of employment, but it will also
be good for the local ecology (Ninja, 2019).

2.3 Ecological Importance

In a variety of soil types, Paraserianthes falcataria can flourish. It does not need fertile soil;
instead, if drainage is adequate, it may thrive on dry soils, moist soils, and even salty to acidic soils
(Soerianegara and Lemmens, 1993. Most soil types, except for grumusols, have been documented to
support its growth in Javan plantations (Charomaini and Suhaendi 1997). On luvial, red- yellow podzolic,
andosol, latosol, and andosol surfaces. Its growth is highly vigorous on most soils. To hasten the initial
growth process on marginal locations, fertilizer may be required. As the capacity to fix nitrogen grows,
growth will be quicker after that (CIFOR, 2011).
P. falcataria, a pioneer species, can be found in primary rainforest, but it is more common in
secondary lowland rainforest and in light grassy fields, mountains, and the sides of highways close to the
ocean. It can withstand peri-humid and monsoonal conditions with a maximum dry season of two months.
It is vulnerable to fire and is often harmed by powerful winds. P. falcataria coexists in Irian Jaya's natural
stands alongside species like Agathis labillardieri, Celtis spp., and Diospyros. Pterocarpus indicus,
Terminalia species, etc. likewise Toona Sureni (Orwa et al., 2009).

2.4 Effects of Hot Water Pre-Germination

Since falcata seeds are typically pre-treated with hot water. We investigated the most effective
germination media and the ideal amount of time to soak falcata seeds in hot water (100°C) to break their
dormancy. 5 seconds, 15 seconds, and 30 seconds of seed soaking time were compared for seed
germination. Direct potting (70 percent soil, 20 percent sand, and 10 percent vermi cast), cloth, tissue
paper, pure sand, and pure soil were the germination media used in this study. Prior to placing the seeds
in the various germination media, all seeds that had been heated in water were soaked in tap water for an
entire night. According to Rupinta et al., (2011), In 30 seconds of soaking in hot water, a higher
germination percentage (66%) was noted. When compared to alternative germination media, using cloth
produced a much greater germination percentage.
An essential first step in cultivating disease-free crops is to use seed that is free of illness. Certain
plant diseases can enter seeds and persist there, shielded by surface seed treatments. In addition to
certain fungi, oomycetes, and viruses, they contain a variety of bacterial diseases. The major bacterial and
fungal diseases that affect these small-seeded crops, such as tomato, pepper, and brassicas, can be
quickly eradicated by treatment, making them excellent candidates for hot water seed treatment. To avoid
the spread of seed-borne diseases on farms or their reappearance season after season, hot water seed
treatment is a very useful technique. Seeds primed by hot water treatment germinate more quickly than
untreated seeds thanks to the positive effect of priming (Higgins, UMass Vegetable Program, 2018).
At the Department of Forestry and Wildlife, University of Maiduguri nursery, an experiment was
conducted to examine the impact of two pre-germination treatments on the emergence of acacia senegal
seeds. The seeds were treated by being submerged in cold water (at room temperature) for 8, 12, and 24
hours, respectively, and hot water at 100 C for 5, 10, and 15 minutes. The goal of this research is to
determine the ideal pre-germination period for each of the two pre-treatments that were employed in the
experiment. According to Usman et al., (2010), recommends that the ideal amount of time for a hot water
pre-treatment with Senegal is 10 minutes. Even though there is no discernible difference between the
values for the cold-water pretreatment and the other treatments, the 12-hour pre-treatment produced the
highest mean of 6.31 and should therefore be preferred.
Falcata seedling nurseries are springing up like mushrooms along major highways due to the
increasing demand for the plant. Growers in the area who were interviewed said that they constantly
struggle with nutritional deficits in their plants, which cause more than 50% of their crops to fail. Crop
mortality reduced expenses and returns. They fully rely on inorganic fertilizers that are supplied by
businesses, which raises the cost of seedling growth. The ecosystem benefits from this circumstance as
well as the cultivators. Germination is a complex process during which the seed must quickly re-
maturation drying, resume a sustained intensity of metabolism, complete essential cellular events to allow
for the embryo to emerge, and prepare for subsequent seedling growth (Hiroyuki et a., 2010).
Falcataria molucana (Miq.) Barneby & J.W. was the subject of the experiment to determine its
germination capacity. The amount of time grimes spends soaking in hot water, the type of germination
medium used, and the amount of light are all factors. Three replications of a three-factor in split-split plot
design with a randomized complete block design (RCDB) were used to conduct the experiment. Factor A
was the length of time seeds were allowed to soak (control, 20, 40, and 60 seconds), factor B was the kind
of germination medium (soil and soil plus sand), and factor C was the amount of light available (expose to
light and expose to dark). The percentage of germination was shown to rise with hot water soaking of
seeds. The seeds that were immersed for 20 seconds showed the highest significant growth (71.67%).
Similarly, seeds planted in soil and exposed to light promote seed germination the most, but no discernible
differences were found. The seed germination percentage of F. moluccana was unaffected by interactions
between germination media and lighting conditions (Mazo et al., 2020).
Future organic farming regulations will prohibit the use of conventionally produced seed. To
control seed-borne illnesses, efficient non-chemical approaches are required. Research has been
conducted in lab, model, and field trials on five significant vegetable crops (carrot, cabbage, celery,
parsley, and lamb's lettuce) and their most significant seed-borne infections (Alternaria spp., Phoma spp.,
Septoria spp., Peronospora valerianellae, and Xanthomonas spp.). For 10 to 30 minutes, and occasionally
for 60 minutes, hot water treatments were performed at temperatures of 40 °C and 50 to 55 °C. Most of
the time, ISTA requirements were followed when conducting seed health checks. The quantity of spores
or oospores was counted in cases of seed infestation with Septoria species and P. valerianellae to gauge
effectiveness. By using hot water treatments at temperatures ranging from 50 °C for 20 to 30 minutes to
53 °C for 10 to 30 minutes, seed-borne infections may be eliminated without suffering major germination
losses. However, at higher temperatures, treatment time must be shortened to prevent sensitive crop
germination problems (Nega et al., 2003).
Melanie et al., (2005) study’s, showed how hot water treatment can effectively reduce bacterial
illnesses like bacterial spot and bacterial canker in tomato plants grown in greenhouses and open fields.
Also, they saw that following treatment with hot water, seedlings from the same seed lots did not contract
disease in the greenhouse or fields. The prevalence of bacterial canker was less severe, and yields were
higher in plots/fields established from hot water-treated seed compared to those established from
untreated seeds. Moreover, fruits from seeds that had not been treated were significantly smaller than
fruits from seeds that had been. After being treated with hot water, tomato seeds showed decreased
bacterial infection frequency and enhanced fruit size and productivity.
Seeds are the most important input of any tree cultivation. Qualified seed is defined as one pure
variety with high germination rate and free from pathogens. Qualified seed ensures good germination,
rapid emergence, and vigorous growth. Sengon (Falcataria moluccana) is one of the major forest trees in
Indonesia, particularly in West Java (Istikorini et al., 2019).
 Previous study on seed scarification on the germination process and the growth of long bean
(Vigna sinensis) sprout, Ardiarini et al. (2021), claimed that the growth of long bean seeds in different

scarification methods the most effective scarification technique that used is heating using an oven at
55°C (P5).

3. Materials and Method

3.1 Study Area/ Experimental set-up

 The study was conducted at College of Agriculture, Forestry and Environmental Sciences (CAFES)

of Mindanao State University at Naawan, located at Simanok, Naawan Misamis Oriental. A longitude and

latitude of 11°37’52 °N 122 °19’52 °E.

Figure 1. Study Area

3.2 Presentation of methods according to prioritization of objectives

3.2.1 Collection of planting materials

The seeds are purchased in the market. The seeds consisting of 300 pieces.

3.2.1 Pre-germination treatment

Hot water pre-germination treatment at different soaking time is tested in this study. The temperature of all

the seeds are soaking solutions was 100°C. The soaking time as treatment includes 40 seconds, 60

seconds, and 80 seconds. Twenty (20) seeds per treatment and a total of 300 seeds were used in this

study. All the seeds were soaked overnight in tap water after hot water treatment.

3.2.1 Germination media

After, pre-germination treatment, treated seeds were transferred to 15 wide plastic transparent

containers where the cloth was placed.

3.2.1 Care and Maintenance of the Study

After, transferring Falcata seeds it will be put on shaded nursery to avoid disturbances during germination.

Falcata (Falcataria moluccana) seeds were sprayed with a manual mist sprayer to improve germination.

Watering three (3) times a week was carried out as needed.

3.3 Statistical design

In this experimental study, I will use a Completely Random Design (CRD):

1 2 3 4 5

Time1 Time2 Time3 Time 1 Time 5

6 7 8 9 10

Time 3 Time 5 Time 2 Time 1 Time 4

11 12 13 14 15

Time 2 Time 5 Time 3 Time 1 Time 4

Figure 2. Experimental Design

Data collection

Germination Percentage – On 30 days of sowing, the absolute germination rate was determined (%)

(Mazo et al., 2020)

Equation 1:

GP=Tgs/Tss x 100

Legend:

Tgs – Total number of germinated seeds

Tss – Total number of sown seeds

Germination percentage is calculated based on the number of germinated seeds to the total number of

sown seed.

Equation 2:

Percent survival: This was determined upon the termination of the study (Rupintal et al., 2020). This

parameter was computed using the for:

Figure 3.

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