The Effect of Hypergravity on the Germination and Growth of Eruca Sativa Mill

Abstract

Many environmental factors such as soil, temperature and gravity influence plant development. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of hypergravity on Eruca sativa Mill. (Rocket plant). A centrifuge was used to perform hypergravity experiments. Rocket plant seeds were placed on germination paper followed by the addition of water, and subsequently subjected to intermittent hypergravity (8h hypergravity followed by 16h rest), repeated over four days. Total germination and size of seedling were evaluated before and after being cultivated in soil in a natural environment. Results showed that root growth was greater in the centrifuge group than the control group. The growth of shoots after transference to soil was also found to be higher than the control group. Additionally, the centrifuge group of rocket seeds germinated 1% more and had a material mass of almost 20% more than the control group

Keywords

• Hypergravity, Eruca Sativa Mill

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