Spinach germination is commonly lower and slower than other traditionally grown crops. Low spinach germination can impact the overall yield and health of the crop, leading to wasted resources. Germination rates and seedling growth of four spinach cultivars were investigated to determine which ones had higher and more consistent germination rates.
The bolting of spinach is one of the biggest issues with this crop. When a spinach plant bolts, it begins to allocate more of its energy towards flower and seed production rather than leaf growth. This means that the leaves on the plant will be smaller and less abundant, resulting in reduced yields. Additionally, as spinach plants mature and bolt, they can develop a bitter taste, which makes them less marketable. Bolting rates of 4 cultivars were investigated to determine which ones, if any, were less prone to it in a mixed-crop environment.
Four spinach cultivars were evaluated (Kookaburra, Bloomsdale, Space, and Sunangel) to identify a cultivar with consistently high germination rates, high yield potential, and tolerance to bolting.
Description of germination enhancement treatments used:
- Control (CN): seeds were sown unsoaked and untreated, i.e., without receiving any germination enhancement treatment.
- Imbibition in water (IW): seeds were soaked in water for 18 hours at room temperature, followed by direct sowing in rockwool.
- Imbibition in hydrogen peroxide (IWP): seeds were soaked in H2O2 solution (0.3%) for 18 hours, followed by direct sowing in rockwool.
- Hydropriming in water (HPW): seeds were placed in paper towels wetted with 60 mL of water and placed between two paper plates for 24 hours at room temperature, followed by direct sowing in rockwool.
- Hydropriming in hydrogen peroxide (HPP): seeds were placed in paper towels wetted with 60 mL of 0.3% hydrogen peroxide and placed between two paper plates for 24 hours at room temperature, followed by direct sowing in rockwool.
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