Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Seed germination is a complex process that starts with water uptake by the seed and ends with radicle growth. Several factors affect the germination where water, temperature and light conditions are the most important. Soaking of seeds before sowing provides faster and more uniform emergence. Faster emergence has positive effects on the competition against weeds and also improves drought tolerance. The, through soaking, activated seed has also better tolerance against biotic stress. Seeds of wheat, Triticum aestivum, and pea, Pisum sativum, germinates at a rate of at least 80 % after imbibing of 15 respectively 140 weight percent water. Soaking for more than 20-24 h makes the seed of wheat and pea germinate at a rate of 80 % after 36 hours. Tomatidine is an allelopathic substance that at least inhibits growth of Arabidopsis-roots, Arabidopsis thaliana. More research is needed for practical application of soaking treatment and further knowledge about allelopathic substances.