Determination of the Effects of Different Aqueous Ozone Doses and Temperature on Germination and Seedling Development of Vetch Seeds

ABSTRACT Various effects of ozone treatment on seed germination and development are known. This feature of ozone has gained more importance in recent years. On the other hand, it is reported that ozone used in excessive amounts causes adverse effects. The method of application of ozone and the results obtained vary according to the material used. In this study, two different vetch species (hairy vetch and common vetch), for 30 minutes four different ozone doses application [control (0.40 g/m3), 1.60 g/m3, 2.80 g/m3, 4.00 g/m3] and three different temperatures (10, 15 and 20 °C) were examined. As a result of applications; germination rate, radicle length, plumule length, seedling length, seedling fresh weight, seedling dry weight and vigor index values were calculated. It was determined that plumule length, seedling length, seedling fresh weight and vigor index values of the species were affected by ozone doses and temperature applications. Also, it was determined that the cultivar ˟ temperature ˟ ozone dose interaction had significant effects on the length of the radicle (P < 0.01) and the seedling fresh weight (P < 0.05). According to the results of the study; it has been determined that the applications of ozonized water up to 2.80 g/m3 positively affect the germination, radicle and seedling development of hairy vetch and common vetch seeds compared to the control. Besides, it was observed that the highest dose, 4.00 g/m3 dose, negatively affected the same parameters. It was found that the effect of temperature and ozone dose applications were significant on germination and seedling development.