EFFECTS OF SQUIRTING CUCUMBER FRUIT JUICE ON SEED GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH IN RAPESEED

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of mature squirting cucumber fruit juice (SCFJ) on seed germination and seedling growth in rapeseed cv. "Elvis". Seeds were surface-sterilized with commercial bleach (containing 5% sodium hypochlorite) at a concentration of 40% for 5 min. with continuous stirring and then were washed 6-7 times with sterile distilled water. After sterilization, seeds were imbibed in 50 ml sterile distilled water having SCFJ at different concentrations (0-control, 200, 400, 800 and 1600 mu l/L) and rinsed for 72 h at 180 rpm. For each SCFJ concentrations, 250 seeds were put in 50 ml sterile distilled water. After 72 h, grown seedlings were transferred to soil in pots. Five pots having 20 seedlings were set for each SCFJ concentration. 14 days after study initiation, seedling height, root length, leaf width, leaf length, approx. leaf area, and chlorophyll (chl. a, chl. b and total chl.) contents were determined. The highest results in all examined parameters were obtained from 800 mu l/L SCFJ concentration. This study showed that SCFJ could be used as a stimulant accelerating seed germination and seedling growth. Putting production material to the market earlier is the guarantee of higher income by providing early harvest.