Response of Sesame Seedlings to Different Concentrations of Humic Acids or Calcium Nitrate at Germination and Early Growth

Abstract

ABSTRACT. This study was conducted in order to evaluate the response of sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum L.) to organic or mineral fertilization. The effects of two fertilizers, which were calcium nitrate and humic acids were studied separately at germination and early seedlings growth. Different concentrations of humic acids (HA 0 : 0, HA 1 : 500, HA 2 : 1000 and HA 3 : 2000 mg L -1 ) or calcium nitrate (CaN 0 : 0, CaN 1 : 50, CaN 2 : 100 and CaN 3 : 200 mg L -1 ) were applied distinctly to the growth media. The experimental design was accomplished in a completely randomized block design with three replications. Germination measurements, seedlings length, fresh seedling weight, total chlorophylls and carotenoids, total soluble proteins and sugars were determined. Results showed that humic acids applied at 1000 mg L -1 or calcium nitrate applied at 100 mg L -1 reduced the mean germination time (3.5 and 3.61 days) and had the highest germination index (GI) and the highest coefficient of velocity (CV). The longest seedling was obtained at the concentrations HA 2 and CaN 2 (+22%). Total chlorophyll and carotenoids were significantly higher in seedlings receiving the HA 2 and CaN 2 and these treatments increased total soluble proteins content by 32%. Higher concentrations of humic acids or calcium nitrate HA 3 and CaN 3 delayed germination and enhanced proline and total soluble sugars, respectively, by 42% and 46%, compared to control. These preliminary results indicated that the use of fertilizers should be optimized and they can be transformed at high level to an abiotic stress menacing plant productivity. On the other hand, suitable concentrations of fertilizers can be used in the future as a remedy to improve growth under abiotic stress.

Studying the Possibility of Improving the Germination Characteristics of Old And New Harvested Sesame Seeds by Using Some Natural and Chemical Substances

“…According to Wanas (2002), yeast extract has a positive effects could be explained by a stimulatory effect on cell growth and division as well as protein and nucleic acid synthesis. These outcomes concur with those mentioned by Barnett et al (1990), Nagodawithana (1991), Chen et al (1994), Zhang and Ervin (2004) and Souguir and Hannachi (2017).…”

“…They can also increase cell membrane permeability, which is important for the transport and availability of micronutrients. In respect to Souguir and Hannachi (2017), humic acid treated at 1000 mg L -1 had the greatest speed germination index and coefficient of germination for sesame, as well as a reduction in the mean germination time. Humic acid utilisation has to be maximized, since it can quickly change into an abiotic stress that threatens plant production.…”

The effect of humic acid and water super absorbent polymer application on sesame in an ecological cropping system: a new employment of structural equation modeling in agriculture

“…In addition, the highest germination index, the longest seedling was obtained by HA treatment. HA increased the total soluble protein content by 32% compared with the control [26]. Wafaa et al [28] reported that some chemical soil properties including soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter and the available N, P and K increased in soil along with the application of phosphorus sources combined with a high rate of HA.…”

Priming with Humic Acid to Reverse Ageing Damage in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill.] Seeds

“…Humic acid (HA) is one of the environmentally friendly compounds used in seed priming. The HA-primed seeds were reported to enhance germination rate in chilli [18], sesame [19], wheat [20,21] and pea [22], with varying concentrations of HA and soaking time requirement for different crops. Asgharipour and Rafiei [23] reported that barley seeds primed with 0.75 g/L HA for 12 h increased seedling vigour index (SVI) compared with non-primed seeds, while Souguri and Hannachi reported significant positive results in sesame seeds primed with 1 g/L HA for 7 h [19].…”

“…The HA-primed seeds were reported to enhance germination rate in chilli [18], sesame [19], wheat [20,21] and pea [22], with varying concentrations of HA and soaking time requirement for different crops. Asgharipour and Rafiei [23] reported that barley seeds primed with 0.75 g/L HA for 12 h increased seedling vigour index (SVI) compared with non-primed seeds, while Souguri and Hannachi reported significant positive results in sesame seeds primed with 1 g/L HA for 7 h [19]. An hour of soaking with 2.5 g/L HA increased germination percentage, shoot and root growth compared with non-primed seeds of Raphanus sativus [24].…”