Effect of Plant-Derived Smoke Solution Doses on Germination of Melon Seeds
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the potential of plant-derived smoke solution in promoting germination. The effects of different smoke solution doses (Control, 0.1 %, 0.5%, 1%, 3 % and 5%), obtained from burning mushroom compost waste, were examined on germination in three different varieties of melon (Hasanbey, Kırkağaç 637, Gönen Tan). Germination tests were conducted according to ISTA rules, with seeds germinated within 40x40 cm-sized drying paper rolls. At the end of the 8th day, root length, shoot length, and germination percentage values were recorded, and the vigor index was calculated. Additionally, malondialdehyde (MDA) content analysis was performed to determine potential damage caused by smoke solution doses on seedlings. The results showed that smoke treatments significantly affected seed germination and seedling development, with these effects varying depending on the melon variety. In the Hasanbey variety, 3% and 5% smoke solution doses (fourth and fifth treatments) led to a decrease in all measured growth parameters and an increase in MDA content. In contrast, the Gönen Tan variety exhibited the greatest improvement in germination parameters at the 0.5% dose (second treatment). The Kırkağaç 637 variety showed the highest germination performance and the lowest MDA levels under control conditions. These findings indicate that responses to smoke solution treatments are genotype-dependent and underscore the importance of considering cultivar differences when applying such treatments.
Keywords
Cucumis melo L., Germination percentage, Mushroom compost waste, MDA, Vigor
Thanks
The author would like to thank Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gökçen Yakupoğlu for her valuable support and assistance.
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