Abstract
Seed germination and seedling growth are two essential early determinants of subsequent crop yield and quality. A high germination percentage of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seed is required to import into Australia. The viability of hemp seed can decline rapidly depending on storage and other factors; hence, the quality of imported seed is not always reliable. Here, we aimed to investigate germination and early seedling growth responses of 14 industrial hemp varieties after being imported from various countries. Germination trials were conducted with 100 seeds of 14 varieties using a soil-less Petri dish assay and a compost growth medium under glasshouse conditions. We also assessed the effect of seed pre-treatments such as gibberellic acid (500 and 1000 mg·L−1), chlorine dioxide (500 and 1000 mg·L−1) and cold temperature (4 °C for 72 h) using 300 seeds of each of the three selected varieties in compost growth medium. Hemp varieties imported from China had higher germination and better seedling growth indices than those imported from Europe. All seed pre-treatments were associated with a decreasing trend in germination, but a positive effect on early growth responses was observed. Our findings indicate that the hemp variety Han FNQ performed better than many other varieties did regarding seed germination and seedling growth. Hemp seeds sanitising with 500 mg·L−1 of chlorine dioxide might improve the germination and early growth of seedlings.
Highlights
Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L., family Cannabiaceae) is a herbaceous, cross-pollinated annual crop that originated in central Asia [1]
Industrial hemp has been grown as a fibre and seed crop in Western Australia for many years but has gained additional interest after it became legal to use the seeds and seed oil for food products [5]
The viability of industrial hemp seeds can decline rapidly depending on storage conditions and other unknown factors; the quality of local and imported sources is frequently unreliable
Summary
Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L., family Cannabiaceae) is a herbaceous, cross-pollinated annual crop that originated in central Asia [1]. It has had numerous uses for over a millennium, including food, fibre and medicine [1,2]. Hemp is a tall (up to 2.5 m), fast-growing, short-day plant with a deep, fibrous tap root system [3]. It grows on fertile and well-drained land with neutral to slightly alkaline clay loam or silt loam soils [3]. The viability of industrial hemp seeds can decline rapidly depending on storage conditions and other unknown factors; the quality of local and imported sources is frequently unreliable
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