Evaluasi Persen Hidup dan Kesehatan Tanaman Serta Karakter Morfologi Aren (Arenga pinnata) Varietas Bali Pada Umur 7 Tahun

Abstract

Sugar palm (Arenga pinnata) is a palm species widely utilized in Indonesia as a source of sap, starch, fiber, and fruit, while also playing an important ecological and economic role. This study aimed to evaluate the survival rate, plant health, and morphological characteristics of the Bali variety of sugar palm at seven years old in Durin Tonggal Village, Pancur Batu, Deli Serdang, North Sumatra. The research was conducted from September to December 2024 using a survey method with purposive sampling across five plots. Observed parameters included survival rate, plant health, stem height, number of leaves, stem diameter, crown diameter, frond length, leaflet number, and leaflet length. Data were analyzed descriptively, with Pearson correlation, PCA, and dendrogram clustering applied. The results showed an average survival rate of 96.2% (very high) and plant health of 74.82% (fair to good), with a positive correlation (r=0.65) between both variables. Morphological traits varied among plots, and multivariate analysis grouped the plants into two main clusters. These findings indicate that the Bali variety has strong potential as a superior cultivar due to its high adaptability, relatively stable health condition, and phenotypic diversity that can be utilized for selecting promising genotypes.