Murray State University
STUDY 2: Shortening Germination Periods for California Poppy Using Incubated Worm Casting Substrates
Institution
Murray State University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Pat Williams; Kris-Ann Kaiser
Abstract
One-year old worm castings were added to Pro Mix BX substrate at 20% and incubated at a soil temperature of 72o F to observe if germination rates of California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) would be affected. Three different treatments were studied to determine the shortest germination periods. Treatment 1 was a control and had no worm castings or incubation period. Treatment 2 contained 20% worm castings and was incubated on rubber heating pads set at 72o F for one week. Treatment 3 also contained 20% worm castings and was incubated for two weeks. All water used for hydrating the substrate was set out three days prior to use at room temperature in a sunny greenhouse to reduce chlorine content which has been shown to affect the microorganism populations in worm castings. Prior research has shown worm castings can accelerate germination periods in seeds by breaking down the seed coat and increasing the rate of germination. The shorter germination period would lead to quicker saleable plants thus increasing productivity of any greenhouse operation using seeds. Preliminary results from this study at day seven had a larger number of germinated seeds in Treatment 3 versus the other two treatments. Additional trials are underway and, when complete, a statistical analysis will be concluded.
STUDY 2: Shortening Germination Periods for California Poppy Using Incubated Worm Casting Substrates
One-year old worm castings were added to Pro Mix BX substrate at 20% and incubated at a soil temperature of 72o F to observe if germination rates of California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) would be affected. Three different treatments were studied to determine the shortest germination periods. Treatment 1 was a control and had no worm castings or incubation period. Treatment 2 contained 20% worm castings and was incubated on rubber heating pads set at 72o F for one week. Treatment 3 also contained 20% worm castings and was incubated for two weeks. All water used for hydrating the substrate was set out three days prior to use at room temperature in a sunny greenhouse to reduce chlorine content which has been shown to affect the microorganism populations in worm castings. Prior research has shown worm castings can accelerate germination periods in seeds by breaking down the seed coat and increasing the rate of germination. The shorter germination period would lead to quicker saleable plants thus increasing productivity of any greenhouse operation using seeds. Preliminary results from this study at day seven had a larger number of germinated seeds in Treatment 3 versus the other two treatments. Additional trials are underway and, when complete, a statistical analysis will be concluded.