Treatment of Seeds Using Essential Oils of Scented Lemongrass, Curcuma xanthorrhiza, and Nutmeg on the Viability of White Corn (Zea mays ceratina L.)

Abstract

Seed is a determining factor in cultivation. To maintain seed quality, it is necessary to have a new breakthrough in seed treatment, namely, the use of plant essential oils. Essential oils contain compounds that can repel, kill, and inhibit the development of destructive pests, chemical and semi-chemical components in the form of pheromones, and allelochemicals. This research was conducted to obtain the concentration of essential oil, which is most suitable as a seed protector, before planting to avoid damaging pests and seed-borne pathogens. The research was carried out at the Plant Laboratory 1 of the Lampung State Polytechnic using a randomized completely block design (RCBD), and a further test of the difference that is least significant (LSD) was carried out at the five percentiles. The concentration of essential oils K1:2%, K2:4%, K3:6%, and K0 : control. K0: control. Each concentration was repeated three times. The concentration of 2% (K2) can potentially protect the seed compared to lemongrass and nutmeg at all three concentrations. The use of nutmeg and citronella essential oils at three concentration levels directly affects germination, as seen from the observed indicators of root length, hypocotyl length, strong normal sprouts, weak normal sprouts, abnormal sprouts and dead seeds. This is thought to be due to their high allelochemical content. However, the essential oils of nutmeg and citronella can still be used as a seed treatment with low concentrations of seeds. It is necessary to carry out a vigour test to determine its effect directly in the field so that the most appropriate concentration and application method are obtained in an effort to minimize the effect of allelochemical content on seed growth but still able to protect seeds from destructive pests during the germination period in the field.