SEEDLING PERFORMANCE OF JACKFRUIT (Artocarpus heterophyllus) AS AFFECTED BY SOAKING SEEDS ON MOLASSES, FERMENTED SEADWEEDS AND SEAWEED EXTRACT

This study was conducted at the Mindanao State University-Fatima Campus, General Santos City, from February 21 to April 5, 2018 in order to evaluate the performance of jackfruit seedlings by soaking in solutions with molasses, fermented seaweeds and seaweed extract at different soaking time, and to determine the interaction effect of the variables ued. The experiment was laid-out in two-factor factorial experiment in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD). The application of the treatments was done before planting. The germination rate of seeds and number of leaves per plant were higher in 6-hr soaking time treatment as compared to 12-hr soaking period. On the other hand, treatment using fermented seaweed extract tended to exhibit better vegetative growth although this treatment had displayed similar result with other treaments. The effects of the treatments on the growth of the jackfruit seedlings in this study appeared to be not well demonstrated at 45-day growing period. It is suggested to extend the study period beyond 45-day so as to determine if the initial treatment using molasses and seaweed extract can further encourage the growth and development of the jackfruit seedlings.