EFFECT OF SEAWEED EXTRACT (SE) ON SEED GERMINATION CHARACTERISTICS OF WHEAT IN SALTY CONDITIONS

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the effect of seaweed extract on seed germination and some growth parameters in wheat. Wheat seeds were kept in pure water and seaweed extract of 0-25-50% and 100% concentrations at 20 °C for 24 hours. Then, the seeds were washed with pure water, and 50 pieces were placed in the petri dish and left to germinate at three different salt concentrations (0, 75 and 150 mM) at 20 °C for 10 days. The seed germination rate (%) and time (days) were calculated, and radicle and shoot length (cm), fresh and dry weights (g) were determined at the end of the study. In the study, as salt level increased, seaweed extract (SE) application negatively affected the total germination rate and germination time, while 25% SE application increased the dry weight, and length of shoot and radicle.