Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
4521046 South African Journal of Botany 2012 5 Pages PDF
Abstract

A smoke-derived butenolide, 3-methyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one, has previously been shown to improve seedling vigour of various crop species. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of butenolide priming treatments on seedling emergence and growth when it is applied to peat moss in which seeds are sown (post-sowing) rather than pre-sowing imbibition of the seed itself. Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and salvia (Salvia sp.) seeds were sown in peat moss in modules and subjected to either butenolide priming (10− 7 M, 25 °C) or water for 24 h at 25 °C in the dark. Following this technique, seeds are imbibed, not subsequently dried and placed in a growth cabinet at 18 °C for germination. Butenolide-primed seeds emerged faster (lower MGT) and produced larger seedlings as indicated by fresh and dry weight compared to the water controls for both species. Butenolide-primed seeds had higher catalase activity than that of the controls suggesting that the enhancement obtained from priming may be due to changes in enzymatic activity. Butenolide priming may be used to enhance pepper and salvia seedling performance via the sowing medium.

Research Highlights► Smoke derived butenolide increased seedling emergence. ► Treated seeds had larger seedlings. ► Butenolide treatment enhanced catalase content of seeds.

Related Topics
Life Sciences Agricultural and Biological Sciences Agronomy and Crop Science
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