Invigoration of Expired Soybean Seeds Using Plant Extract: Effects on Viability and Growth

Yaya Hasanah * and Faiyaz Titan Hasibuan
Agrotechnology Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Jl. Prof. A. Sofyan No 3, Kampus Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan 20155, Indonesia
*(e-mail: yaya@usu.ac.id; Mobile: +6281361655911)
(Received: 13 May 2025; Revised: 29 September 2025; Accepted: 30 September 2025; Published: 10 October 2025)

ABSTRACT

Expired seeds exhibit reduced viability and are difficult to germinate; however, appropriate invigoration can partially restore performance. We evaluated the effects of plant extracts on the viability and growth of expired soybean seeds using a factorial randomized complete block design with two factors and three replicates. Factor 1 comprised extract type—distilled water (control), young coconut water (25%), bamboo shoot extract (25%), and mung bean sprout extract (25%). Factor 2 was immersion duration: 6, 12, and 18 h. Across outcomes, 25% bamboo shoot extract produced significantly higher vigor index, maximum growth potential, and pollen fertility than the control, 25% coconut water, or 25% sprout extract. A 6-h immersion maximized vigor index, maximum growth potential, plant height at 5–6 weeks after planting, and pollen fertility compared to 12 or 18 h. The combination of 25% bamboo shoot extract and 6-h immersion accelerated the onset of flowering.
Key words : expired seed, invigoration, viability, plant extract, soybean