Abstract:
Sapindus rarak, which has local name as lerak, is a saponin producing plant belongs to the
family Sapindaceae. Lerak has not been cultivated and grows wild in the forest. Utilization of
lerak fruit pericarp includes traditional detergent, biopesticides, and for health purposes.
Sapindus rarak and its related species in the genus are known for their delayed, uneven and low
germination that in turn inhibit the regeneration. Sapindus genus usually undergo physical or
physiological dormancy. Seed germination can be increased after the treatment of sand paper
scarification, hot water, hydrochloric acid or gibberellin treatments. This study aimed to evaluate
the effect of sand paper scarification, hot water, hydrochloric acid or gibberellin treatments on
seed dormancy breaking of lerak. Germination experimental unit is a tray filled with a mixture of
garden soil and sand in the ratio of 1 : 1. Each tray contains 30 seeds of 3 replications arranged in
a randomized block design. The data on seed germination was collected daily and continued until
complete germination (maximum up to 90 days). Parameters recorded were germination
percentage and median length of germination time (MLG). The study showed that the highest
percentage of germination (81.11%) and the shortest MLG (38.67 days) was shown by the
treatment of hot water soaking with the temperature of 50.C for 20 minutes. The lowest
percentage of germination (31,11%) and the longest MLG (67.20 days) was shown by the control
(untreated) seeds.
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