Cladophora glomerata Extract and Static Magnetic Field Influences the Germination of Seeds and Multielemental Composition of Carrot

Abstract

Abstract As carrot seeds are notoriously slow to germinate and are often irregular in breaking dormancy, new methods of stimulation are still sought. This study examines for the first time the effect of an algal extract and static magnetic field (SMF) and their synergistic effect on carrot seeds germination. The algal extract, produced from freshwater macroalgae - Cladophora glomerata, was used directly to the paper substrate at a dose of 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 %. The exposure of seeds to the magnetic field (500 mT and 1 T) was applied for 3, 6 and 12 min. The highest germination ability of carrot seedlings was observed for 20 and 80 % algal extract. The weakest germination was observed for the highest concentration of algal extract causing the highest amount of abnormal and dead seedlings. Parallel use of seeds stimulated with magnetic field and algal extract did not increase the number of germinated seeds significantly. Carrot’s seeds treated with algal extract showed increased content of elements - macro- Ca, K, Mg, S and microelements Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn. Future experiments are required to confirm the stimulation effect of algal extract (optimal concentration) and magnetic field (various induction values) on seeds germination.