Enhancing Germination of Stored Adlai (Coix lacryma-jobi) Seeds Using Black Soldier Fly Frass Tea as an Organic Biofertilizer

Seed dormancy in Adlai (Coix lacryma-jobi) limits its agricultural potential. This underutilized crop has great potential as an alternative source to common carbohydrates such as rice and corn, but it is hampered by this physiological condition. Conventional dormancy-breaking methods often involve synthetic chemicals, which are costly and environmentally detrimental. This study evaluates Black Soldier Fly Frass Tea (BSF FT), an organic alternative rich in nutrients and plant growth regulators (PGRs), as a priming agent for stored Adlai seeds. A completely randomized design (CRD) with eight treatments (including BSF FT at 10–25 mL/L, gibberellic acid (GA₃), and control) was replicated three times. Germination parameters (days to 50% germination, germination rate, seedling vigor, and biomass) and pH effects were analyzed. The results revealed that BSF FT at 20 mL/L significantly improved germination (92%, comparable to GA₃), with a 77.78% germination rate (3.33 days to 50% seed germination and enhanced seedling vigor (shoot: 16.03 cm; root: 16.67 cm)) and biomass of 16.97%, showing great potential as a seed priming agent. Undiluted BSF FT (pH 4.45) inhibited germination, highlighting pH-dependent efficacy. The results signified that BSF FT is a low-cost, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic PGRs, and is optimal at 20 mL/L. Field trials and biochemical analysis of PGRs in BSF FT are recommended for scalability.