Evaluation of Ascophilum nodosum seaweed extract to improving germination indices of lentil cultivars

Seaweed extract (Ascophyllum nodosum) can play an effective role in growth and germination due to having plenty of nutrients and plant growth regulators. In order to evaluate the effects of seaweed extract on germination indices of lentil cultivars, a factorial experiment was conducted in 2015 on the basis of completely randomized design with three replications at Khatam Al-Anbia University of Technology in Behbahan. The experimental treatments consisted of four seaweed extracts (0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 %) and three cultivars of lentil (Robat, Gachsaran and Kimia). Results showed that 5% extract treatment, resulted in significant increase in germination percentage (15.9%), plumule length (10%), plumule dry weight (2%) and consumed endosperm (15.3%) compared to control. Among the studied cultivars, Kimia had a significant decrease in all studied traits compared to other cultivars. Interaction effect of seaweed and lentil cultivars showed that Rabat and Gachsaran cultivars in all levels of seaweed extract led to significant increase in germination rate, radicle length and radicle dry weight. In Kimia cultivar, 5 and 7.5% seaweed extract led to significant increase of germination rate, germination vigor, radicle length and radicle dry weight. According to the results of this study, the use of seaweed extract to improve germination conditions in lentil cultivars (Robat, Gachsaran and Kimia) is recommended.