Analysis of the vigor of Melaleuca Leucadendron L. seeds exposed to ionizing radiation

Abstract Gamma-ray irradiation is a type of ionizing radiation that can be used to improve the physiological quality of Melaleuca leucadendron L. (gelam) seeds. The focus of the research was to observe the influence of gamma-ray exposed on the vigor of new, and stored seeds of M. leucadendron. Viability testing was carried out. The analyzed of statistic were variance analyzed by analysis using one factor with thirteen treatments (0; 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, 120, 240, 480, 960 Gy) and four replication. A T-test was conducted to decide the effect of the seed storage period on seed viability for all doses of gamma-ray exposure treatment. The new M. leucadendron seeds irradiated up to 960 Gy did not reduce the number of sprouts. However, the seed storage vigor decreased in almost all irradiated doses after two months of storage, except at a dose of 2.5 Gy. The conclusion of this research shows that low-dose irradiation treatment can increase the vigor of the M. leucadendron seeds that have been stored, and it will contribute to the effort to maintain seed viability for conservation purposes.