Research on Overcoming the Dormancy Problem of Molekhia (Corchorus olitorius L.) Seeds

Abstract

In this study, the effect of different seed applications on germination and emergence in order to break dormancy of the seeds of molekhia (Corchorus olitorius L.) which is used as fiber, medicinal plant and consumed as a vegetable, was investigated. For this purpose, sterilized seeds were exposed to boiling water (95 ºC; 10 and 30 seconds, 1, 5 and 10 minutes), hot water (80 ºC; 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes), sulfuric acid (98%; 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 minutes) and pre-cooling (4 ºC; 2, 3 and 4 days) treatments. The experiments were carried out according to randomized blocks trial design with 4 replications and 50 seeds per replicate. According to results obtained, germination rate 0.00-97.00%, average germination time 0.00-3.98 days, germination index 0.00-46.89, emergence rate 0.00-82.00%, average emergence time 0.00-7.52 days, emergence index 0.00-18.70, hypocotyl length 0.00-1.79 cm and radicle length values varied between 0.00 and 4.28 cm. The most successful treatments in terms of germination and emergence parameters were pre-chilling, sulfuric acid (for 5 and 10 minutes) and boiled water (at 95 ºC for 10 seconds) applications. As a result of the study, in order to remove the dormancy from the Corchorus olitorius L. seeds, treatment of the seeds with pre-cooling (4 ºC for 2 days) in a humid environment before sowing would be easily practiced.

Keywords

• Corchorus olitorius L.
• seed
• germination
• hypocotyl
• radicle