Abstract
Stimulatory effect of humic and fulvic acids (humic substances) extracted from local sources of lignite and soils on germination and early growth of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), poppy (Papaver somniferum L.), pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and rape (Brassica napus subsp. napus) were verified. The following structural parameters were determined for humic substances: aromaticity, biological activity, and hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity ratio. Germination rate, weight of seedling, accretion of seedling, and seedling vitality were determined in a growth test in laboratory conditions. It was found that the type of plant together with the type of humic and fulvic acids was of great importance for germination and initial growth (two-way ANOVA). The reaction of the monitored plant species was different to the types of humic and fulvic acids. A positive effect on germination and initial growth was observed in poppies (compared to controls, p < 0.05); in other species, no significant statistical responses were observed. The tested plants can be sorted according to the descending significant positive effect on the weight of seedling as follows: poppy, pepper, rape, hemp. We found that structural parameters of humic and fulvic acids correlated with many measured parameters of germination and early growth (p < 0.05). The results show that the origin of humic substances and their structural properties can significantly affect the germination of seeds and their initial growth. In addition, the responses of taxonomically different plant species after treatment with humic acids can be fundamentally different.
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We would like to thank Iveta Gajdová for her precious work in laboratory.
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This study was partially supported by the Slovak Grant Agency for Science VEGA No. 1/0155/19.
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Šerá, B., Novák, F. Stimulation of seed germination and early growth by humic substances on poppy, pepper, rape, and hemp. Biologia 77, 641–648 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11756-021-00952-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11756-021-00952-1