Ecophysiological characteristics of local fruit species at seedling stage for effective revegetation programs in Tropical Asia

This study aims to identify and evaluate the ecophysiological characteristics of seven local fruit species at the seedling stage for revegetation programs, including durian ( Durio zibethinus ), java plum ( Syzygium cumini ), kecapi ( Sandoricum koetjape ), longan ( Dimocarpus longan ), mango ( Mangifera indica ), matoa ( Pometia pinnata ), and rambutan ( Nephelium lappaceum ). The research was conducted in the nursery of Purwodadi Botanic Garden, Pasuruan, East Java, which has a lowland and dry tropical climate. The ecophysiological characteristics were observed 16 weeks after the seedlings germinated, including the traits of leaf, stem, root, and relative growth rate. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson correlation, and principal component analysis (PCA). The results showed that each fruit species at the seedling stage has typical ecophysiological characteristics. Durian dominated traits related to leaf and stem. Java plum had the highest specific root length. Mango exhibited the highest relative growth rate. Two characters were identified as crucial determinants for predicting optimal growth performance at the seedling stage, i.e., stem weight ratio and specific leaf area. The PCA biplot resulted in three groups. Durian, kecapi, and rambutan (Group I) are fast-growing, shade-adapted, and low-flammable species. Java plum and longan (Group II) are drought-adapted species. Matoa and mango (Group III) are competitive and resilient to physical hazards species. The findings of this study can serve as a basis for recommendations on selecting local fruit species suitable for specific purposes and environmental conditions, thus supporting higher success and effective revegetation programs, particularly in Indonesia and Tropical Asia in general. • Seedling traits are crucial to recommending species for successful revegetation. • Each fruit species seedling has unique ecophysiology traits and growth strategies. • Stem weight ratio and specific leaf area are seedlings key ecophysiology traits. • Durian, kecapi, and rambutan are fast-growing, shade-adapted, and low-flame species. • Java plum and longan are drought-adapted; matoa and mango are competitive species.