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Heat treatment is a key step in germinating oil palm seeds because these seeds naturally have a hard shell that keeps them dormant, making it hard for water and air to get inside. The process starts with soaking the seeds in water for 5–7 days to soften the shell and prepare the seed for sprouting.

After soaking, the seeds are placed in a warm, moist medium like sawdust or sand. This medium keeps the seeds hydrated without letting them rot. The key is to maintain a temperature between 30–40°C, similar to tropical conditions, which ‘wakes up’ the seed. The heat activates enzymes inside the seed that break down stored food, providing energy for the root and shoot to start growing.

This process takes about 60–80 days. By using heat treatment, the seeds germinate faster and more evenly, giving farmers healthy seedlings. Without this step, the seeds would take much longer to sprout, and the growth might not be uniform. It’s an effective way to ensure strong, reliable seedlings ready for the next stage of planting.