Sigma Xi Poster Competition
Utilizing Different Seed Soaking Methods to Increase Emergence in Sugar Beets (Beta vulgaris)
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Horticulture
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
2nd Student Major
Agronomy
3rd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
3rd Student Major
Agronomy
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Megan Taylor
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Seed soaking is a practice in which seeds are soaked in preparation before planting to encourage germination. Germination is tremendously important when it comes to plant growth. Seed soaking can be a great option for germination improvement by applications for farmers such as an in-furrow liquid solution application. The rate of germination is determined by the time in which it occurs and the actual size of the seedling. The goal of the research is to determine if soaking sugar beet seeds in different solvents and adjuvants has a noticeable effect on the crops’ germination. For this experiment we had nine treatments including the control with three replications of 10 seeds per treatment. The germination papers were then soaked in water and placed in a plastic bag, following this 10 mL of each solution was added to each replication. After the first week’s data was collected, the statement was clear that Hydrogen Peroxide and water (H2O) would continue to be frontrunners as the best available solutions. We achieved the collection of data by taking accurate counts of seed germination on a daily basis, excluding weekends. The trials took place in one week intervals with two total weeks of recording data. The second week's data was then compared to the first week and an average was taken. As stated previously, the study found that water was the best, meanwhile Hydrogen Peroxide was not too far behind and may prove to be more efficient over an extended period of time. Minimal results were found in solutions such as: Levesol, apple cider vinegar, distilled vinegar, as well as the baking soda and water solution, all of which resulted in no germination. The treatment showcasing the highest rate of germination proved to be water, with 28 of the seeds germinating in the first trial. This study proves to be important because of its possible application in germination assistance in crops that may be planted in insufficient soils.
Spring Scholars Week 2023 Event
Sigma Xi Poster Competition
Utilizing Different Seed Soaking Methods to Increase Emergence in Sugar Beets (Beta vulgaris)
Seed soaking is a practice in which seeds are soaked in preparation before planting to encourage germination. Germination is tremendously important when it comes to plant growth. Seed soaking can be a great option for germination improvement by applications for farmers such as an in-furrow liquid solution application. The rate of germination is determined by the time in which it occurs and the actual size of the seedling. The goal of the research is to determine if soaking sugar beet seeds in different solvents and adjuvants has a noticeable effect on the crops’ germination. For this experiment we had nine treatments including the control with three replications of 10 seeds per treatment. The germination papers were then soaked in water and placed in a plastic bag, following this 10 mL of each solution was added to each replication. After the first week’s data was collected, the statement was clear that Hydrogen Peroxide and water (H2O) would continue to be frontrunners as the best available solutions. We achieved the collection of data by taking accurate counts of seed germination on a daily basis, excluding weekends. The trials took place in one week intervals with two total weeks of recording data. The second week's data was then compared to the first week and an average was taken. As stated previously, the study found that water was the best, meanwhile Hydrogen Peroxide was not too far behind and may prove to be more efficient over an extended period of time. Minimal results were found in solutions such as: Levesol, apple cider vinegar, distilled vinegar, as well as the baking soda and water solution, all of which resulted in no germination. The treatment showcasing the highest rate of germination proved to be water, with 28 of the seeds germinating in the first trial. This study proves to be important because of its possible application in germination assistance in crops that may be planted in insufficient soils.