Effect of biological pretreatment on germination characteristics of lentils (Lens culinaris Medik) at different temperatures

The germination is one of the most important processes in the plant life cycle and it has been determined that, if the germination stage is successful, later in the growing stages, plants with proper establishment and better vigor will be created. In this study, the interaction of Ascophyllum nodosum and temperature changes on germination and growth parameters of lentil (Gachsaran cultivar) were investigated. A factorial experiment was carried out based on completely randomized design with 3 replications.The studied treatments included: seaweed extract at levels of 0, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5% and temperature at 3 levels of 20, 25 and 30 °C. Temperature treatments similar to the natural conditions of autumn in Khuzestan province were selected. The results of this study showed that temperatures of 20 and 30°C compared to 25°C significantly reduced all the studied traits (germination percent, germination rate, germination vigor, seed vigor index, endosperm consumption, plumule length, radicle length, seedling length, plumule dry weight and radicle dry weight. Seaweed extract in level of 2.5% in all temperature treatments (20, 25 and 30 °C) compared to the control caused a significant increase in germination vigor, seed vigor index, endosperm consumption, plumule length, seedling length, plumule dry weight and radicle dry weight. High level of seaweed extract (4.5%) compared to the control level had significant negative effects on germination percentage and germination rate, seed vigor index, seedling length, plumule dry weight, plumule length and radicle length. Due to autumn lentil cultivation and temperature changes in this season (temperature range 20 to 30 °C) the use of Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract as an affordable and inexpensive biofertilizer to improve the germination and growth parameters of lentil seeds and establishment suitable for seedlings in the above temperature range is recommended.