Articles
Seed germination and seedling development of selected vegetables and herbs grown in used disinfected substrates
Article number
1410_12
Pages
81 – 88
Language
English
Abstract
Seedling production is an important aspect of crop production that has a direct influence on crops’ yield and overall production value chain.
However, affordability and accessibility of seedling growth substrates has become a challenge for emerging commercial farmers.
Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the response of used, disinfected organic substrates on seed germination and seedling development of selected vegetable and herb crops.
The experiment was conducted in a temperature-controlled (21.32-24.38°C) glasshouse, during March-April 2023. The study treatments were all possible combinations of growth media type (cocopeat, sawdust and perlite) and status (old and new). The treatments were tested on lettuce, spring onion, coriander and sweet basil.
Prior to their reuse, the various substrates were disinfected with hydrogen peroxide (50% strength) at an application rate of 1 L 1000 L-1. Old cocopeat generally revealed the best performance, as it resulted in germination percentages of 94% for coriander and sweet basil, 100% for lettuce and 35% for spring onion.
In contrast, old sawdust and perlite had significantly lower and comparable germination percentage for most crops, except for spring onion which yielded 66%. The seedlings in old cocopeat had improved seedling development in terms development and stimulating growth of true leaves within 5.33 days after planting.
The finding of this study suggests that substrate that is one-season-used could be disinfected and reused in an effort to reduce input costs without compromising seed germination and seedling development and overall quality of leafy vegetable and herb crops.
This will contribute to improved food production and sustainability of income generation for resource-poor and emerging commercial farmers.
However, affordability and accessibility of seedling growth substrates has become a challenge for emerging commercial farmers.
Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the response of used, disinfected organic substrates on seed germination and seedling development of selected vegetable and herb crops.
The experiment was conducted in a temperature-controlled (21.32-24.38°C) glasshouse, during March-April 2023. The study treatments were all possible combinations of growth media type (cocopeat, sawdust and perlite) and status (old and new). The treatments were tested on lettuce, spring onion, coriander and sweet basil.
Prior to their reuse, the various substrates were disinfected with hydrogen peroxide (50% strength) at an application rate of 1 L 1000 L-1. Old cocopeat generally revealed the best performance, as it resulted in germination percentages of 94% for coriander and sweet basil, 100% for lettuce and 35% for spring onion.
In contrast, old sawdust and perlite had significantly lower and comparable germination percentage for most crops, except for spring onion which yielded 66%. The seedlings in old cocopeat had improved seedling development in terms development and stimulating growth of true leaves within 5.33 days after planting.
The finding of this study suggests that substrate that is one-season-used could be disinfected and reused in an effort to reduce input costs without compromising seed germination and seedling development and overall quality of leafy vegetable and herb crops.
This will contribute to improved food production and sustainability of income generation for resource-poor and emerging commercial farmers.
Authors
M.G. Moremi, J. Malaka, N.A. Araya
Keywords
germination percentage, growth media, seedling emergence, soilless production, herbs, vegetables
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