Abstract
The impact of plant-derived smoke as a promoter of seed germination in many crops is well documented. However, very little is known about (1) the appropriate plant species for smoke-water preparation, (2) the effect of smoke-water on the germination and the post-germination parameters in non-fire-prone environments, and (3) the relative importance of dark and light conditions and their possible effects. To fill these gaps in knowledge, we conducted field experiments to evaluate the effect of smoke-water produced from five plant species—white willow, sage, rice straw, rosemary, and lemon eucalyptus—on the germination and seedling growth of cucumber, tomato, scotch marigold, and gladiolus. The seeds and cormels were soaked in smoke-water under light or dark conditions. The results revealed that the smoke-water treatments derived from white willow and lemon eucalyptus enhanced germination, post-germination parameters, and macro element content whilst also contributing to dormancy-breaking. In addition, these smoke-water treatments significantly reduced abscisic acid content and increased α-amylase activity under light conditions; however, the stimulating effects were absent under dark conditions. In conclusion, we provide new evidence that germination and seedling growth in non-fire-prone environments can be enhanced by plant-derived smoke, and that stimulating impacts depend on the plant species used to prepare the smoke-water.
Highlights
Germination rate is significantly affected by several abiotic and biochemical factors [1]
Analysis of variance showed that smoke-water treatment, light condition, and their interaction had significant effects on Germination percentage (GP), germination rate (GR), α-amylase activity, and abscisic acid (ABA) content in tomato, gladiolus, and scotch marigold
In cucumber, significant effects of smoke-water treatment and significant smoke-water-light interaction were observed for all studied traits, whereas there was no significant difference between the two light conditions in terms of GP, GR, and α-amylase activity
Summary
Germination rate is significantly affected by several abiotic and biochemical factors [1]. In developed and developing countries, the residue of the previous crop is often eliminated using fire, and this technique has been described as “prescribed burning” [2] This practice is convenient and cost-effective, it has many hazards, including air pollution and killing of beneficial soil microorganisms [3]. Four major active compounds with potential agricultural use have been identified and isolated: karrikins (KARs) [11], cyanohydrins [12], butenolides [13], and hydroquinones [14]. KARs and cyanohydrins are heat-stable compounds, and they both exhibit prolonged durability and dissolve in water. They markedly improve seed germination in many plant species [2]. With regard to horticultural practices, the advantages of smoke can be exploited using
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