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The effect of biostimulants and light wavelengths on the physiology of Cleome gynandra seeds

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Abstract

Cleome gynandra L. is used as a vegetable that forms a significant part of the local diet in South Africa and other tropical and subtropical parts of the world. Cleome gynandra seeds are negatively photoblastic (light-induced dormancy) and fail to germinate when planted immediately after harvest. To enhance better cultivation practices, seed germination of C. gynandra using different light wavelengths (red, far-red, green and blue light) with and without organic biostimulants [smoke–water (SW), karrikinolide (KAR1), Kelpak® (KEL) and eckol (ECK)] was tested. Among all the tested biostimulants, the best germination percentage (40%) was observed in seeds treated with SW in the dark. However, the biostimulants did not show any significant effect with the light treatments. In this study, blue light generally promoted (≤ 35%) and red light inhibited (≤ 8%) germination. Furthermore, the effect of different biostimulants (under blue and red light) on biochemical content and enzyme activities was tested in seeds of C. gynandra. Seeds treated with biostimulants in blue light showed an overall increase in protein and total carbohydrate content in comparison to seeds subjected to biostimulants in red light. The α-amylase activity in the seeds was highest in KEL-treated seeds in blue light. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activity was generally higher in blue-light treatment, while peroxidase activity was highest in red light. Enhanced germination under blue light and inhibitory effects with red light is an intriguing phenomenon for C. gynandra seeds, which needs more detailed investigation. The study also indicates the potential application of organic biostimulants (particularly SW) for better seed germination and growth of C. gynandra which can be explored by farmers in the field.

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Abbreviations

ANOVA:

Analysis of variance

CAT:

Catalase

ECK:

Eckol

GA3 :

Gibberellic acid

KAR:

Karrikinolide

KEL:

Kelpak®

POD:

Peroxidase

SOD:

Superoxidase dismutase

SW:

Smoke–water

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the National Research Foundation (UID: 98896), Pretoria for financial support.

Funding

The authors thank the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the National Research Foundation (UID: 98896), Pretoria for financial support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa

    Nkhanedzeni K. Nemahunguni, Shubhpriya Gupta, Manoj G. Kulkarni, Jeffrey F. Finnie & Johannes Van Staden

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  1. Nkhanedzeni K. Nemahunguni
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  2. Shubhpriya Gupta
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  3. Manoj G. Kulkarni
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  4. Jeffrey F. Finnie
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  5. Johannes Van Staden
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Correspondence to Johannes Van Staden.

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Nemahunguni, N.K., Gupta, S., Kulkarni, M.G. et al. The effect of biostimulants and light wavelengths on the physiology of Cleome gynandra seeds. Plant Growth Regul 90, 467–474 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10725-019-00546-7

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