Effect of the chemical nature of the substrate on the parameters of the germination and growth of Astragalus armatus

Abstract

The study presented in this master's report, aims to determine the substratum in which the seeds of Astragalus armatus germinate best. During 18 days, we monitored the germination rate; the median germination duration; the daily germination average; root length and stem length; the growth rate and the vigor index for seeds of the plant, sown in four substratum (distilled water, CaSO4, CaCO3 and NaCl), at different concentrations (T0= 0%; C1=5%; C2=10% and C3=15%). The results showed significant differences for the measured parameters (P <0.05).We observe a germination rate of 100% in (CaSO4 5 %); 75% in (CaCO3 5%); 42% in (NaCl 5%). Stems length were 45 mm in (CaSO4 5%); 40 mm in (CaCO3 5%).The rootlets length were 4 mm in (T0). The highest vigor index 0.5 is observed in (CaSO4 5%); the slowest root growth speed (<0.001cm/day) is marked in NaCl and the maximum stems growth speeds (>0.25cm/day) are observed in (0% distilled water and CaSO4 5 %). Principal Component Analysis demonstrated that germination of the seeds of Astragalus armatus is better in the gypsum substratum CaSO4 5%, where its growth showed also good results, then CaCO3 5%. However in NaCl the plant faces risks.