Abstract:

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is an essential hay product and a protein-rich forage crop which grow in arid and semi arid regions of the world. In this study, to improve the germination properties of alfalfa seeds, which are sensitive to environmental conditions during germination and early seedling development was aimed. For this purpose, seeds of Nimet alfalfa variety were covered with seed coating preparation, named Panoramix and germinated under drought stress conditions. Panoramix was applied in two concentrations zero (control), 2 liters 1000 kg of seeds1 and 4 liters 1000 kg of seeds-1. A laboratory germination experiment was conducted in randomized parcel design with 4 repetitions. Six different drought stress levels (0, -2, -4, -6, -8 ve -9.8 bar) were handled in this study and were used Polyethylene glycol-6000 (PEG-6000) to create of drought stress at different levels. Panoramix was applied in 3 doses, as 0 doses (control), 2 liters / 1000 kg seeds and 4 liters/1000 kg seeds respectively. 50 seeds was laid in each petri dish and placed in germination cabinet (70% humidity, 20 °C temperature 14 hours light (2000 lux) 10 hours darkness). A greenhouse emergence test was performed using plastic pots filled with a mixture 50% soil + 50% sand. Four different drought stresses [0 (T0), %25 (T1), %50 (T2), %75 (T3)] were applied to the pots. At the end of the both experiments, germination rate was calculated and the fresh and dry weight of the shoots and roots, length of shoots and roots were determined. The results indicated that the coating treatmens positive contributied to the germination properties of alfalfa seeds under drought stress conditions.

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