Original scientific paper

THE TRAITS OF SEED AND SEEDLINGS OF ALFALFA GENOTYPES UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE AND pH VALUES

Gordana Bukvić ; Faculty of Agriculture, Josip Juraj Strossmayer, University of Osijek
Sonja Grljušić ; Agricultural Institute Osijek
Vlatka Rozman ; Faculty of Agriculture, Josip Juraj Strossmayer, University of Osijek
Anita Liška ; Faculty of Agriculture, Josip Juraj Strossmayer, University of Osijek
V. Lučin ; Faculty of Agriculture, Josip Juraj Strossmayer, University of Osijek

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate the influence of genotype, temperature and pH values on germination energy, seed germination, and root and hypocotil length of seedlings of three alfalfa cultivars (Slavonka, Stela and Vuka) with the aim to assess possibilities for choosing suitable genotypes for sowing in the soil of different pH and temperature levels in the earliest stages of development. The experiment was set up in four replications at two levels of temperature: 20°C and 10°C, and two pH levels: 7.25 and 5.05. A significant difference in genotypes was determined for root length (p=0.01). Differences in energy of germination and hypocotil length at different temperatures were found to be significant (p= 0.01). Significance of pH was determined for root and hypocotil length (p=0.01 and p=0.05). Interaction genotype x temperature was significant in all traits tested (p=0.01 and p=0.05), with interaction genotype x pH determined for hypocotil length (p=0.01). Root length was significantly lower in the Slavonka cultivar (2.16 cm) and significantly higher in the Stela cultivar (2.83 cm). Energy of germination was significantly higher at 20°C, with hypocotil length significantly lower at the same temperature. Root and hypocotil lenght were significantly higher at pH level of 5.05. The results show that interaction of genotype and temperature influence to the fullest extent the earliest growth of alfalfa. Though pH level influenced seedlings growth, further examinations are needed to assess possibilities for choosing genotypes for sowing in the soil of different pH levels at the stage of seed germination.

Keywords

alfalfa; genotype; germination; pH; temperature

Hrčak ID:

26060

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/26060

Publication date:

14.7.2008.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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