RESEARCH PAPER
Effects of the physicochemical properties of pellets on the germination of pelleted sugar beet seeds
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Department of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Agriculture and Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences SGGW,
Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
Publication date: 2019-05-08
Int. Agrophys. 2019, 33(2): 175-183
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
The effects of the physicochemical characteristics
of pellets, when applied to sugar beet seeds originating from
ten seed companies, on the germination of pelleted seeds were
assessed. The most significant factor was the force necessary to
break the pellet, which was found to positively correlate with
pellet’s abrasion resistance, and negatively with pellet’s water
resistance. Pellets dissolved in water, characterized by low water
resistance, negatively affected germination under the conditions
of excess water in the filter paper. A low water potential of pellets
inhibited seed germination, particularly with the shortfall of water
in the germination medium. The water flow between the pellet
and the pericarp was of much importance for germination. Under
the conditions of the shortfall and excess of water in the germination
medium, the physicochemical properties pellets had a greater
effect on the drawing of water, and on the water flow between the
pellet and the seeds, than under the optimum moisture conditions.
Organic pellets were characterized by a greater ability to absorb
water than mineral or organic-mineral pellets. The pellets varied
in their chemical composition, with the greatest variation (over
ninety-fold) relating to pellet’s copper content. The following values
exhibited low variety: Zn, Mn, and Pb. It can be concluded
that pellet’s cracking force and water resistance are the basic
parameters of pellet quality, and the swelling ability of pellets is
determined by their organic or monaural composition.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The Authors do not declare conflict of interest.
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