INFLUENCE OF WATER SOLUTION pH ON GERMINATION OF SOYBEAN SEED

Abstract

Influence of four pH levels (5, 6, 7 and 8) of water solution on germination energy, germination, root and hypocotyl length and total seedlings weight of three soybean cultivars (Anica, Ika and Kuna) was investigated in laboratory conditions using filter paper. Significant influence of cultivar (p=0.01) for all investigated traits was found. The lowest average values for all traits had cultivar Kuna. The average values of germination energy, germination and total seedlings weight were not significantly different for cultivars Anica and Ika. Seedlings of cultivar Ika had the longest root and hypocotyl. The pH values of water solution significantly influenced all investigated traits (p=0.01 for germination, root length and total weight of seedlings, p=0.05 for hypocotyls length), with exception of germination energy. On the average for cultivars, the highest germination was at pH 5, and the lowest at pH 8. Seedlings root and hypocotyl were significantly longer at pH 5 and 6.

Keywords

• soybean
• cultivars
• seed
• pH
• germination