Effectiveness of pre-sowing treatment of seeds of plants of the genus Pennisetum Rich. with growth stimulants

Relevance. Biology of seeds of plants of the genus Pennisetum Rich. little studied. High seed productivity and favorable temperature storage conditions do not always provide a  high percentage of seed germination when grown in open ground. Soaking seeds in growth stimulants is a promising way to improve their sowing qualities.

Materials and methods. Five varieties of P. glaucum (L.) R.Br. and two species of P. setaceum (Forrsk.) Chiov. and P. villosum Br. ex Fresen. were chosen as the material for the study. The prepared seed material was soaked in 5 solutions of growth stimulants: Epin-Extra, HB-101, Bona Forte Elixir, Chlorella, Biohumate + 9. Germination energy and germination were determined in accordance with GOST 12038−84.

Results. As a result of the experiment, a positive effect of growth stimulants on the germination dynamics of seed material was determined for all species and varieties of Pennisetum. For all varieties of P. glaucum, the preparations HB-101 and Epin-Extra were less effective on seeds of 2023 with the shortest storage period. The average and high laboratory germination rates were found in seeds harvested in 2022–2023 and in individual varieties of P. glaucum harvested in 2023 with a shelf life of 6 months. To achieve high germination rates of over 80% in P. glaucum varieties, we recommend using seed treatments with a shelf life of at least 24 months. Of all the studied preparations, Biohumate+9, Chlorella, and Epin-Extra had a significant effect on the germination rate of P. setaceum seeds, while Biohumate+9 and Bona Forte Elixir had a significant effect on the germination rate of P. villosum seeds.

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