DUKUNGAN TEKNOLOGI BENIH DALAM PENGEMBANGAN TANAMAN SAMBILOTO SEBAGAI BAHAN BAKU OBAT HERBAL TERSTANDAR / The Role of Seed Technology in The Development of Kalmegh Plant as A Standardized Herbal Medicinal Material

The use of kalmegh plants as traditional medicinal plants has been known for a long time. Pharmacologically this plant has been proven to be efficacious, among others: anti-diabetic, antibacterial, anti-cancer, and anti-malarial effects. This pharmacological effect is due to the high content of andrographolide and neo andrographolide compounds, which cause a bitter taste. The claim of the efficacy of the kalmegh plant as an immunomodulator and antiviral in preventing Corona Virus 19 disease during a pandemic provides opportunities for developing this commodity. The development of this commodity certainly requires high-quality seeds, both genetically, physically, and physiologically in a sustainable. Problems in developing kalmegh plants include: (1) limited superior varieties capable of producing biomass production and active ingredients with high content. and (2) limited genetically, physically, and physiologically quality seeds caused by seed handling that is not optimal from the time of harvest, breaking dormancy, storage, and distribution of seeds. Information on technology for determining the appropriate age for harvesting seeds, breaking dormancy, and storing seeds have been widely reported, but the utilization and application of these technologies have not been well directed in overcoming the availability of kalmegh seeds. Based on these problems, writing aims to inform and direct the role of seed technology in supporting the development of the kelmegh plant as a standardized herbal medicinal ingredient. The application of seed technology in the kalmegh plant seed industry contributes to: (1) reducing the dormancy period so that the seeds germinate quickly and uniformly, (2) increasing the seed viability and vigor so that they are efficient in planting in the field, (3) increasing the seeds storability, so that seeds are available when needed and (4) improving the physical quality of seeds, thereby increasing the economic value of the seeds produced. The critical seed aspects presented in supporting the development of the kalmegh plant are: (1) using of superior variety Sambina 1 has proven its superiority in biomass production and content of active ingredients, (2) harvesting of seeds is carried out at physiological maturity which is characterized by purplish green pods, (3) dormancy breaking technology is carried out before the seeds are sown to increase germination and uniformity of seedling growth, by rubbing using sandpaper or by moisturizing the seeds with 200 ppm GA3; and (4) The technology for long-term seed storage is carried out by packing the seeds in an airtight plastic bag and storing at a temperature of 6 C, and 50% RH or using a porous paper bag at room temperature for short-term storage. Keywords: Andrografis panniculata, physiological maturity, dormancy, storage, and packaging