Maximum Germination Percentage Research Articles

Effect of Different Vermiwash Sources on Germination and Seedling Growth of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)

Physiological process of germination depends on several factors such as temperature, water potential, light and nutrients. A laboratory study was carried out to asses, the effect of different Vermiwash sources on germination and seedling growth of fenugreek. A factorial design was used with four replications. Treatments were factorial of different Vermiwash (water as a control=W0, Vermicompost extract of wheat straw=W1, horse manure=W2, sheep manure=W3, 25% straw + 75% horse manure =W4, 25% straw + 75% sheep manure =W5, 50% straw + 50% horse manure =W6, 50% straw + 50% sheep manure =W7, 25% alfalfa residue + 75% sheep manure =W8, 50% alfalfa residue + 50% sheep manure =W9, 25% chicken manure + 75% straw manure =W10) and two levels of Vermiwash concentration (20% and 40%). Results showed that germination rate was significantly affected by all treatments. The maximum germination rate was observed at concentration of 40 percent of vermiwash with 25% alfalfa residue + 75% sheep manure. The maximum percentage of germination was obtained in 20 percent of vermiwash with sheep manure treatment and concentration of 40% in wheat straw. A significant difference was observed through treatments at 1% level in root length. In addition, root dry weight differed significantly among treatments at the 5% level. Also, a significant increasing was considered in root length by increasing the concentration of vermiwash.

Germination and Storage Studies on <i>Buchanania barberi</i> Gamble-A Critically Endangered Tree of Southern Western Ghats

Seed studies of an endangered tree species, Buchanania barberi from southern Western Ghats, were conducted to develop suitable methods for germplasm conservation. Reduction of initial moisture content from 27% to 18% and subsequent storage in closed polycarbonate bottles at controlled conditions (2°C) could prolong the viability of the seeds up to 10 to 11 months compared to natural conditions, the seed seems to be of intermediate nature. Germination trails at nursery level indicated that maximum germination percentage and germination index of 70% and 1.7 respectively, were registered in mist chamber.

HSI2/VAL1 and HSL1/VAL2 function redundantly to repress DOG1 expression in Arabidopsis seeds and seedlings.

Summary DELAY OF GERMINATION1 (DOG1) is a primary regulator of seed dormancy. Accumulation of DOG1 in seeds leads to deep dormancy and delayed germination in Arabidopsis. B3 domain‐containing transcriptional repressors HSI2/VAL1 and HSL1/VAL2 silence seed dormancy and enable the subsequent germination and seedling growth. However, the roles of HSI2 and HSL1 in regulation of DOG1 expression and seed dormancy remain elusive.Seed dormancy was analysed by measurement of maximum germination percentage of freshly harvested Arabidopsis seeds. In vivo protein–protein interaction analysis, ChIP‐qPCR and EMSA were performed and suggested that HSI2 and HSL1 can form dimers to directly regulate DOG1.HSI2 and HSL1 dimers interact with RY elements at DOG1 promoter. Both B3 and PHD‐like domains are required for enrichment of HSI2 and HSL1 at the DOG1 promoter. HSI2 and HSL1 recruit components of polycomb‐group proteins, including CURLY LEAF (CLF) and LIKE HETERCHROMATIN PROTEIN 1 (LHP1), for consequent deposition of H3K27me3 marks, leading to repression of DOG1 expression.Our findings suggest that HSI2‐ and HSL1‐dependent histone methylation plays critical roles in regulation of seed dormancy during seed germination and early seedling growth.

Effect of different priming treatments on seed germination of sago palm (Cycas revoluta L.)

King sago palm or sago cycas are the other name of Kangi palm ( Cycas revoluta ) sago palm has been used as an indoor and outdoor landscape plant for centuries. The present study was conducted to estimate the effect of different priming treatments on seed germination of sago palm ( Cycas revoluta L.) in the research area of Department of Horticulture PMAS, University of Arid Agriculture Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The Experiment consisted of ten treatments; the seeds without pulp were soaked in solution of 500, 750 and 1000 ppm GA 3 and 2%, 3% and 4% solution of KNO 3 for 24 hr at room temperature. In case of hot water treatment, seeds were primed at 80 o C, 90 o C and 100 o C for 30, 20 and 10 minutes respectively. The effect of different concentrations of gibberellic acid (GA 3 ), potassium nitrate (KNO 3 ) and hot water on various parameters like germination rate, germination percentage, germination value, decayed seed percentage, time of germination, number of leaves and seedling height were studied. Significant results of germination rate (55.56 days), germination value (192.19) were achieved from 500 ppm GA 3 . Maximum germination percentage (73.33%) and number of leaves (2) were observed in KNO 3 at 2% followed by 500 ppm GA 3 . Similarly lowest decayed seed percentage (26.66%) and time of germination (59.41 days) were noted in 2% KNO 3 . The seedling height was optimum (19.33 cm) in 3% KNO 3 followed by 2% KNO 3 . Best germination results were obtained due to permeability of hard seed coat made by low concentrations of priming treatments (KNO 3 @ 3%).

Screening of Mungbean Genotypes under Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Induced Drought Stress Condition

Sixteen advance genotypes of mungbeans under 5 different concentrations of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) were studied to find out the better cultivar against drought stress condition. The experiment results revealed that germination, seedling production and water-related behavior of mungbean genotypes differed significantly under different PEG (drought inducer) concentrations. The mungbean genotype BINA Mung-6 (V8) is proved as highly tolerant against drought stress condition among all other tested genotypes. The results of the investigation revealed that BINA Mung-6 (V8) genotype consistently scored the highest value for all parameters except for the root shoot ratio and water retention capacity that was statistically comparable to genotypes BARI Mung-4 (V2) and BINA Mung-5 (V7). Consistently poor performance were recorded from IPM-02-03 (V16) genotype which is statistically similar as genotypes BMXK1-09015-2 (V13) and BMXK1-09015-6 (V10). The maximum percentage of germination (98.12%), shoot length (139.40 mm), root length (99.07 mm), shoot dry weight (22.32 mg), root dry weight (6.88 mg), relative water content (94.78), water retention capacity (24.98), germination co-efficient (22.27) and vigor index (233.90) were reported from BINA Mung-6 (V8) at a concentration of 0 percent PEG. The minimum percentage of germination (28.22 percent), shoot length (31.17 mm), root length (16.50 mm), shoot dry weight (2.21 mg), root dry weight (0.97 mg), relative water content (25.55), water retention capacity (3.08), germination co-efficient (6.06) and vigor index (13.45) were reported from IPM-02-03 (V16) mungbean advance lines at 0 percent PEG. Maximum (0.92) root shoot ratio was recorded from both BARI Mung-8 (V6) and BMX-08011-2 (V11) mungbean genotypes at 20 percent PEG concentration and minimum (0.22) at 0 percent PEG concentration from BARI Mung-5 (V3) genotype. Maximum water retention capacity (74.45) was recorded at 20 per cent PEG concentration from IPM-02-03 (V16) genotype and minimum (5.22) was at 0 per cent PEG concentration from BINA Mung-6 (V8) genotype.

Evaluation of potential fungicides, botanicals, biocontrol agents and their combination against M. phaseolina inciting root rot of sesame

The most effective fungicide (vitavax power), potential antagonist/ biocontrol agent (T. viride) and botanical (Neem oil) which were obtained during poisoned food technique and dual culture technique under in vitro conditions were further tested to know their individual as well as combined effect on seedling emergence, plant growth parameters and root rot incidence in potculture with susceptible variety (VRI-1) in M. phaseolina inoculated soil. The results indicated that combined seed treatment with P. fluorescens, neem oil and vitavax power recorded maximum germination percentage (93.33%), root (5.70 cm) and shoot length (11.9 cm), dry weight (0.28 g plant-1) and maximum percentage reduction of dry root rot (71.38%) followed by seed treatment with P. fluorescens and vitavax power (64.11%) and least reduction in root rot incidence (16.07%) observed in sesame seeds treated with only neem oil.

Impact of potassium nitrate (KNO3) and gibberellic acid (GA3) on germination and growth of aonla (Emblica officinalis L.)

The present experiment entitled impact of potassium nitrate (KNO3) and gibberellic acid (GA3) on germination of Aonla (Emblica officinalis L.) was conducted at the Green House, Department of Horticulture, Allahabad Agricultural Institute - Deemed University, Allahabad, in 2007. Seeds were sown in polybags. Polybags were filled in with well-mixed soil, sand and farmyard manure. The experiment was conducted by adopting completely randomized design (CRD) with 13 treatments each replicated three times. Treatment T9 i.e. GA3 400 ppm, recorded the maximum germination percentage followed by T10 i.e. GA3 600 ppm while the minimum was with T0 (control). Tallest seedlings were recorded with treatment T2 i.e. KNO3 1.00% followed by T3 i.e. KNO3 2.00% and the shortest seedlings were recorded with To (control). Maximum number of leaves per seedling was recorded with treatment T9 i.e. GA3 400 ppm closely followed by T8 i.e. GA3 200 ppm, whereas, the minimum was with to (control). Maximum number of leaflets/leaf was recorded with treatment T9 i.e. GA3 400 ppm followed by T8 i.e. GA3 200 ppm, whereas, the minimum remained with To (control).

The Effects of Pre-germination Treatments on Seed Germination and Growth of Wild Guavas in the Kingdom of Eswatini, Southern Africa

Dormancy is a condition where seeds will not germinate even when the environmental conditions (water, temperature and aeration) are permissive for germination. Wild guavas (Psidium guajava L.) are very popular in all agro-ecological zones of Eswatini. Farmers have shown an interest towards guava cultivation but have to cope with the shortage of quality propagation material. The demand is not fulfilled because of unavailability of superior seedling rootstocks, which might be due to poor seed germination and seedling growth. Nevertheless, it has been reported that guava seeds exhibited seed dormancy, which affects their growth and development. The experiment was carried out to study effects of different pre-germination methods on seed germination of guava. The study was conducted at the University of Eswatini, Luyengo Campus. The objective of the study was to get maximum germination of guava seeds in as short a time as possible. Four methods were used i.e., soaking in distilled water for five days at room temperature, soaking in hot water at 80ºC for three minutes, subjecting seeds to heat at 80ºC in oven for six minutes and soaking in 20% dilute sulphuric acid for three minutes. All these treatments significantly decreased days to germination of seeds compared with the control. Among the methods, treatment of guava seeds with 20% dilute sulphuric acid for three minutes was judged best with maximum germination percentage (93.3%); lowest germination mean time was observed in seeds soaked in distilled water (31 days). Highest plant height (44 mm) and highest stem girth of (3.37 mm) were recorded from seeds soaked in sulphuric acid after 150 days of sowing. Seeds without any pre-germination treatment showed poor germination (26.7%). On the basis of the findings, it can be recommended that propagators use sulphuric acid in seed priming for higher germination, growth and development.

Salinity tolerance mechanisms during germination and early seedling growth in Chenopodium quinoa Wild. genotypes with different sensitivity to saline stress

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a facultative halophyte which has taken great importance in recent years due to the nutritional characteristics of its seed. In environments with moderate to high salinity, both the decrease in water potential and the accumulation of Na+ and Cl− ions can constitute stress factors that limit germination and seedling establishment. In the present study, we investigated the influence of NaCl solutions (ranging from 0 to 400 mM) on different components of the antioxidant metabolism during seed germination and seedling emergence, in three quinoa genotypes (CICA, Villarrica and Chadmo) differing in their germination responses and tolerance to salinity. To further explore the mechanisms involved, seed coat characteristics were microscopically analyzed, and seed hydration rates together with changes in the distribution of different ions in selected seed tissues were monitored. Finally, because the effect of NaCl on the accumulation of betalains in young seedlings differed among genotypes, the role of these pigments in salt stress tolerance was also investigated. Among the three genotypes, CICA was the most tolerant as indicated by its higher maximum and normal germination percentages at the highest salt levels tested. Surprisingly, this response was not correlated to the activity profile of antioxidant enzymes, most of which were up-regulated to a larger extent in the less tolerant genotype (Chadmo). Rather, seed coat characteristics that favor a rapid hydration rate, together with mechanisms aimed at preventing excess osmotic and ionic imbalances seem to play a predominant role. Interestingly, the presence of salt decreased the concentration of betalains in the seedlings, though to a lesser extent in CICA than in the other two genotypes. The down-regulation of their synthesis through germination under complete darkness, impaired the percentage of normal germination and increased lipid peroxidation in CICA seedlings exposed to 300 mM NaCl, indicating that these pigments may also contribute to salt stress tolerance.

Tuz Stresinin Nohut (Cicer arietinum L.) ve Bezelyede (Pisum sativum L.) Tohum Çimlenmesi Üzerine Etkileri

Salinity is one of the most severe environmental factors limiting the productivity of agricultural crops. This study was conducted to determine the effect of salt stress on seed germination in chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L.) and pea ( Pisum sativum L.). For this purpose, 4 different pea (Utrillo, Serge, Jof and Bolero) and 4 different chickpea (Kanada, Inci, Azkan and Cagatay) cultivars were used. Four different salt concentrations (50, 100, 150 and 200 mM NaCl) were applied to determine and the effects on seed germination (germination percentage, germination speed, mean daily germination, peak value and germination value) were investigated. In the study, there was a significant decrease in germination parameters in both species with increasing salt level. Seed germination of pea cultivars did not occur on 150 (except Jof) and 200 mM salt stress, while chickpea cultivars didn't germinate on 200 mM (except Cagatay) salt stress. In general, it can be said the critical limit for germination in both species to be 100 mM. Jof cultivar have the highest (46%) germination percentage in 100 mM. In chickpea, the maximum germination percentage at 100 mM (63%) and 150 mM (20%) NaCl was determined in Cagatay. Our findings support that there are differences in tolerance to salt stress between different species or varieties of the same species.

Hydrothermal sensitivities of seed populations underlie fluctuations of dormancy states in an annual plant community.

Plant germination ecology involves continuous interactions between changing environmental conditions and the sensitivity of seed populations to respond to those conditions at a given time. Ecologically meaningful parameters characterizing germination capacity (or dormancy) are needed to advance our understanding of the evolution of germination strategies within plant communities. The germination traits commonly examined (e.g., maximum germination percentage under optimal conditions) may not adequately reflect the critical ecological differences in germination behavior across species, communities, and seasons. In particular, most seeds exhibit primary dormancy at dispersal that is alleviated by exposure to dry after-ripening or to hydrated chilling to enable germination in a subsequent favorable season. Population-based threshold (PBT) models of seed germination enable quantification of patterns of germination timing using parameters based on mechanistic assumptions about the underlying germination physiology. We applied the hydrothermal time (HTT) model, a type of PBT model that integrates environmental temperature and water availability, to study germination physiology in a guild of coexisting desert annual species whose seeds were after-ripened by dry storage under different conditions. We show that HTT assumptions are valid for describing germination physiology in these species, including loss of dormancy during after-ripening. Key HTT parameters, the hydrothermal time constant (θHT ) and base water potential distribution among seeds (Ψb (g)), were effective in describing changes in dormancy states and in clustering species exhibiting similar germination syndromes. θHT is an inherent species-specific trait relating to timing of germination that correlates well with long-term field germination fraction, while Ψb (g) shifts with depth of dormancy in response to after-ripening and seasonal environmental variation. Predictions based on variation among coexisting species in θHT and Ψb (g) in laboratory germination tests matched well with 25-yr observations of germination dates and fractions for the same species in natural field conditions. Seed dormancy and germination strategies, which are significant contributors to long-term species demographics under natural conditions, can be represented by readily measurable functional traits underlying variation in germination phenologies.

SURVEY THE ALLELOPATHIC EFFECTS OF TOBACCO (NICOTIANA TABACUM L.) ON CORN (ZEA MAYS L.) GROWTH AND GERMINATION

Allelopathy is the direct influence of chemical released from one plant on the development and growth of another plant. The trial accomplished in seed technology laboratory of Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University of Isfahan, in 2018. A factorial layout within completely randomized design with four replications was used. Treatments included plant organs extract (leaf, stem, root and total plant), and different tobacco extract densities includes four levels of 0%, 25%, 50% and 100%. Control treatment (0% of tobacco extract) had obtained the highest value of germination rate, germination percentage, coleoptile weight, radicle weight, radicle length and coleoptile length. The maximum germination rate, germination percentage, coleoptiles weight, radicle weight, radicle length and coleoptiles length was related to extract of stem extract which had meaningful differences with other treatments. Both radicle and coleoptile length decreased with increase in concentration of tobacco extract. Tobacco extract has negatively effects on corn seeds by decreasing the germination rate. Tobacco may increase the presence of secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, all of which may have different effects on seed germination percentage. The highest germination percentage (91.91%), coleoptile weight (0.046 mg), radicle weight (0.0161 mg), radicle length (7.24 mm), and coleoptiles length (6.45 mm) was related to interaction between control treatment (0% of extract) and stem extract. It is concluded that the extract of Nicotiana tabacum had both inhibitory and stimulatory effects on seedling growth of Zea mays.

THE ROLE OF PRETREATMENT PARAMETERS ON SEED GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF TWO FENNEL CULTIVARS

Fennel is one of the most important medicinal and spice plants and has become one of the most important economical medicinal plants in Mediterranean, and the Middle East. The germination ability and percentage are fundamental characteristics which influence the viability of the plants. Prechilling has meaningful influence on coleoptile length, radicle length, seedling length, germination percentage, mean time for germination and germination rate, but uniformity of seed germination did not significantly influenced by it. The cultivar effect was significant on coleoptile length, radicle length, seedling length, germination percentage and germination rate. However, mean time for germination and uniformity of seed germination did not significantly affected by cultivar. All experimental characteristics, except uniformity of seed germination, significantly influenced by hormone. The maximum coleoptile length, radicle length, seedling length, germination percentage and germination ratio was related to 45 days moist prechilling treatment. Isfahan cultivar also had obtained the highest coleoptile and radicle length, seedling length, germination percentage and germination ratio compare to Shiraz cultivar. It seems that application of endogenous GA3+KI and BA+KI concentration, which is provided mostly by chilling treatment, is the most effective factor for breaking the seed dormancy. On the basis of the results, usage of 45 days moist prechilling accompanied with application of GA3+KI and BA+KI in Isfahan cultivar was appropriate.

Effect of environmental factors on the germination of Megathyrsus maximus: an invasive weed in sugarcane in Argentina

Abstract Background: Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) is a perennial weed that affects many crops. In Argentina, sugarcane is the most affected. Objective: Study effective techniques to break dormancy and the effect of environmental factors on the germination of this weed. Methods: Experiments were carried out in cabinet incubators twice, with five replicates per treatment. The experimental unit was made up for 50 seeds. Results: Seed dormancy was strongly associated with the presence of glumes. Manual extractions of glumes and immersion in sulphuric acid were the most effective techniques for breaking dormancy. Megathyrsus maximus did not depend on light to germinate, and it did so both under a 12 h-light-dark photoperiod and in complete darkness, with maximum mean germination percentages of 73 and 76%, respectively. Mean germination percentage (G) and coefficient of germination (CG: number of germinated seeds per day) showed that this weed responded to a wide range of temperatures, the optimal varied between 25 and 35 °C. Both mean germination percentages and CG decreased as osmotic potential became increasingly negative (0 MPa to -0.6 MPa), and as sodium chloride solution concentrations increased (10 to 130 mmol L-1). No germination was observed at -0.8 MPa and with a 150 mmol L-1 sodium chloride solution. Conclusions: The optimal germination conditions for M. maximus can be found in central sugarcane areas in Argentina, since soils are in ideal conditions and are kept under irrigation. In marginal areas, M. maximus germination would depend on rainfall and certain sodium chloride concentrations in the soil.

Dormancy Breaking and the Influence of Gibberellic Acid on the Early Growth of Tamarindus indica Seedlings in Mubi, Nigeria

The purpose of this research was to determine the appropriate methods of breaking seed dormancy, level of water uptake, and the influence of gibberellic acid on the early growth of Tamarindus indica seedlings. The scarification methods used included: concentrated sulphuric acid (H2SO4), manual scarification, flaming, hot and cold water treatments. The experiments were conducted in the laboratory on Petri dishes and in potting media. GA3 was used to optimize the production of seedlings by spraying the solution on the foliage. The treatment for 10 minutes with concentrated H2SO4 gave the maximum germination percentage and water uptake (80.41%). GA3 enhances the growth of the seedlings by increasing the height, the number of leaves and stem girth at eight weeks after sowing. In conclusion, all the scarification treatments applied to the seeds of T. indica proved effective. The ten minutes treatment with concentrated H2SO4 was the best treatment for breaking seed dormancy of T. indica. And gibberellic acid enhanced early and fast seedling growth as it increase height, number of leaves and stem girth of T. indica.

The effect of pollen performance on low seed fertility in a Greek population of Juniperus excelsa

The Juniperus excelsa (Cupressaceae) forest in northern Greece has been facing a documented severe decline of natural regeneration over the last few years. In order to dissect the physiological components of the low regeneration, pollen originated from different sites as well as from trees of different height was investigated in terms of viability and in vitro germination capacity. In addition, embryo development and viability of the first year immature seeds were further assessed. Pollen was found to present high viability (61.5–93.2%) in all sites and tree height classes. However, pollen germination was quite low (maximum germination percentage recorded was 30.2%). The low pollen germination capacity recorded in trees above 6 m in height was reflected in the subsequent low percentages of successful embryo development and viability found in the produced seeds. These results suggest that low seed fertility in Juniperus excelsa is associated with reduced pollen germination, suggesting a complex regeneration mechanism and is considered an additional step in shedding light on the physiological basis of the low natural regeneration of Juniperus excelsa.

Seed Germination and storage behavior of Pittosporum eriocarpum Banks. ex Gaertn.: An endemic species of North-West Himalaya

Pittosporum eriocarpum Banks. ex Gaertn. (Pittosporaceae) is an endemic and threatened species of the North-West Himalaya and locally known as Agni. In this study the seed viability, seed germination and storage behavior of seeds was studied stored at different temperature. Maximum viability was reported in fresh seeds (98.21%) while the maximum germination percentage (87.11%) was observed in 6-months old seeds stored in refrigerator (polythene). Application of Gibberellic acid has improved the seed germination (54.13%) and to overcome the morpho-physiological dormancy of the seed to an extent.

Effect of Different Temperatures on Germination and Seedling Growth of Primed Seeds of Tomato

In present work the effect of various temperatures on germination and seedling growth were determined, using primed seeds of hybrid variety of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. NUN 5024). The hydro (distilled water) and halo (using different concentrations of Mg(NO3)2 ranging from 5 to 10 mM) primed seeds of tomato were placed under different (ranging from 10 to 40°C) temperatures during germination in plant growth chamber and various parameters of seedling growth were studied. Maximum germination percentage, total seedling, and separately root and shoot lengths, fresh and dry weight of seedlings, studied up to 10 days were represented by 7.5 mM Mg(NO3)2-primed seeds at 40°C. While the study continued only with 40°C treated sets up to 25 days in net house under natural conditions, maximum plant height, number of branches and green leaves, leaf area/plant, plant fresh and dry weights, root number/plant, root length, root fresh and dry weight, super oxide dismutase activity (SOD) and protein content were noted in 7.5 mM Mg(NO3)2-primed seeds in respect to all other treatments.

Germination and Growth of Citrus: Trifoliate Orange (Poncirus trifoliata (L.) in Different Organic Substrates

This study was carried out to explore the effect of different organic substrates on germination and growth of trifoliate (Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.). The experiment was conducted at the Agriculture Research and Development Sub-center (ARDSC), Mithun, Tsirang from July 2014 to March 2015. This experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design. Each treatment was replicated four times and there were seven treatments. Six different combinations of organic substrates were used. Germination of the seed was done in plug trays of 60 cm x 45 cm with 60 plug holes and effect on germination was assessed until 30 days after sowing (DAS). After transplanting the seedlings in poly pots (12 cm x 6 cm), assessment on growth parameters was done until 210 days after transplanting (DAT). T5: biogas slurry + topsoil + sand + leaf mold + sawdust + rice husk (2: 1: 1: 1: 1: 1) had water holding capacity of 62.7%, air-filled porosity of 8.1%, OM of 6.3%, maximum seed emergence rate of 37.4%, maximum germination index (7.6) and maximum germination percentage of 91.3%. Besides, stem height of 15 cm, stem girth of 3.6 mm, taproot length of 35.6 cm, the number of secondary roots of 61, secondary root spread of 21.4 cm and seedling mortality rate of zero was significantly (p ˂ .01) different from other treatments.

Effect of planting dates and different growing media on seed germination and growth of pistachio seedlings

BackgroundSowing time and suitable planting media are considered basic requirements to get the maximum yield and high profit for their direct and significant impact on seedlings quality and productivity of trees later. So this experiment has been carried out in a private nursery at Gharbiya Governorate, Egypt, during the seasons of 2016 and 2017 to study the effect of seven growing media (GM): sandy soil 100%; sandy soil:peat moss:vermiculite (2:1:1) by volume; sandy soil:peat moss:vermiculite (1:2:1); loamy soil:sandy soil:vermiculite (2:1:1); loamy soil:sandy soil:vermiculite (1:2:1); loamy soil:peat moss:vermiculite (2:1:1); and loamy soil:peat moss:vermiculite (1:2:1). Ashoury pistachio seeds were planted on three different dates viz, 1 February, 20 February, and 10 March and their interaction on seed germination and growth of the resulting seedlings.ResultsThe results obtained from this study showed that the maximum germination percentage, number of leaves/seedling, stem diameter, root length, leaf fresh, and dry weight were recorded when the seed was planted on 10 March and seedlings growing in the loamy soil:sandy soil:vermiculite (2:1:1).ConclusionIt could be concluded that planting seeds of “Ashoury” pistachio on 10 March in growing media contains loamy soil:sandy soil:vermiculite (2:1:1) for maximum germination and growth of subsequent seedlings.