Abstract
The study aimed to determine the impact of laser light (L), magnetic stimulation (p) and silver nanocolloid (AgNC) on pumpkin seeds on the germination rate and content of photosynthetic pigments as well as the efficiency of photosynthesis and greenness index in the plant’s development stages. Seeds germinated after the use of various combinations of different refining techniques. The best results were observed for the alternating magnetic field, where the germination energy increased significantly by 20% relative to the control. A similar effect was observed in terms of germination capacity which increased by 4%. A decrease in terms of emergence rate was observed in all study groups. Leaves grown from seeds soaked in nanocolloidal silver on platters were characterised by a significantly higher content of chlorophyll a and b by, respectively, 53 and 11%, as well as 79% higher carotenoid content. The leaves of potted plants contained 42 and 43% more chlorophyll a in groups p and AgNC. In addition, 66 and 81% more carotenoids in groups L and p. At the stage of the onset of flowering of pumpkin, an improvement in terms of photosynthetic efficiency and greenness index was observed in all study groups. The highest improvement was recorded for seeds soaked in silver and reached 23% (intensity of photosynthesis) and 11% (greenness index SPAD).
Highlights
Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family
The aim of the study was to analyze the effects of seed stimulation using laser light, electromagnetic fields and silver nanocolloid on the germination, emergence rate, content of photosynthetic pigments, and photosynthetic efficiency in the respective stages of the plants’ development
The best effects in terms of increase of the germination energy and capacity were observed in the case of seeds stimulated with magnetic fields, where the same improved, respectively, by 20% and 4% relative to the control
Summary
Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family. It is cultivated in many parts of the world. Fat, which makes them a valuable source of nutrients for both humans and animals [4,5] They are rich in vitamins, mineral salts, and pectin [6,7]. The edible parts of Cucurbita include its: pulp, seeds, leaves, and flowers [1]. It finds many culinary applications, as an ingredient of soups, salads, sauces, cakes and desserts [8]. The intensification of crop production in farm practices began to actively introduce electrophysical methods of affecting plants and seeds of cereals, vegetables, and legumes [10]
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