Abstract
This study investigated the effect of ultraviolet (UV-C) radiation on the germination percentage, germination rate, radicle length, and plumule length of maize and sugar beet seeds. The experiment was implemented in six replicates of 30 seeds per replicate and in sterilized petri dishes under laboratory conditions. Treatments included UV-C (254 nm) radiation exposure durations of 0 min (control), 30 min, 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, and 12 h. The UV-C radiation treatments did not significantly affect the germination percentage of the seeds (p < 0.05). However, the seeds germination rate was significantly affected by the UV-C radiation treatments. The treatments of 8 h and 12 h exposure duration led to the highest seed germination rates in maize and sugar beet, respectively. Lowest seed germination rates belonged to the controls. The radicle length of maize seeds was significantly affected by the UV-C radiation treatments, but the treatments did not significantly affect the radicle length of sugar beet seeds. The 12 h exposure to UV-C radiation treatment resulted in the largest radicle in maize, which was 2.08 cm larger than the radicle of the control seeds. The UV-C radiation treatments had a statistically significant effect on the plumule length of maize and sugar beet seeds. The treatment 8 h UV-C exposure duration led to the largest plumule in maize and sugar beet, which were 0.32 cm and 0.83 cm larger than the plumule of the control seeds, respectively. Breaking down the seed coat and increasing the temperature by UV-C radiation are potential reasons for the observed positive effects.
Highlights
Plants use dormancy mechanisms to postpone seed germination until favorable conditions are provided
The germination rate of maize and sugar beet seeds was significantly affected by the UV-C radiation treatments
The treatments 8 h and 12 h exposure duration led to highest seed germination rates in maize (4.16) and sugar beet (3.61), respectively (Table 2)
Summary
Plants use dormancy mechanisms to postpone seed germination until favorable conditions are provided. Breaking seed dormancy is necessary for the production of important crops. Various approaches have been used to overcome seed dormancy, such as salinity and temperature [1], scarification [2], regulatory hormones [3], fungal inoculation [4], chemical [5], and ultrasound [6]. Increased global ultraviolet (UV) radiation due to the depletion of the stratospheric ozone is an important concern [7]. UV-C radiation can affect microorganisms and plants. The physiological and biochemical processes of plants can be affected by UV-C radiation [9]. Protein content, and peroxidase enzyme activity in plants can be affected by UV-C radiation [10]. Siddiqui et al [11] demonstrated that the pretreatment
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