Provenance Variation in Seed, Seedling, and Early Growth Traits of Red Jabon ( <i>Neolamarckia macrophylla</i> ): An Endemic Species From Sulawesi and Maluku, Indonesia

The availability of seed quality and tree growth information of red jabon ( Neolamarckia macrophylla (Roxb.) Bosser) from different provenances is necessary to assess and optimize the utilization of its genetic resources. The research aimed to examine the variations in morphophysiological traits of seeds, seedlings, early tree growth, and pilodyn penetration of 10 red jabon populations from the Sulawesi (Konawe, Luwu Timur, Muna, Buton, Banggai, Wajo, Menado, and Lolayan) and Maluku (Tidore and Seram) regions. Analysis of variance was used to compare the performance of seed traits (fruit diameter, weight, seed length, seed width, seed weight, and germination capacity), seedling traits (seedling height and diameter), early growth traits (tree survival, height, diameter, and pylodin penetration) among provenances. The hierarchical cluster and principal component analysis were used to identify homogenous provenances based on similar traits. Provenances were significantly different ( p &lt; 0.05) for most fruit, seeds, seedlings, and early growth traits, except for seed weight, seedling sturdiness quotient, seedling height, tree diameter at 1 year, tree survival at 4 years, and pilodyn penetration. High genetic gain coupled with high heritability was found in seed length, seed width, tree diameter at 4 years, and tree volume at 4 years, indicating that these traits can be used to select the best provenances. The provenances can be grouped into two groups, namely the Sulawesi and Maluku regions. There are four subgroups in the Sulawesi region, while in the Maluku Islands region, two provenances (Seram and Tidore) are genetically relatively far apart. Seram provenance has the highest performance in seed morphophysiological traits and tree growth, so it is very promising for cultivation in similar provenance trial locations. These results are important in establishing seed sources, provenance selection, and other breeding activities.