Use of smoke-derived water as a biostimulant in maize and lettuce seedlings

Abstract

Organic compounds produced from the smoke of burned plant material can stimulate the germination of seeds of many plant species. Considering the use of natural extracts as an alternative to synthetic compounds, the aim of this study was to evaluate the biostimulating effect of smoke-derived water on seed germination and on the development of maize and lettuce seedlings. The extracts were obtained from the combustion of dried palm leaves, under two forms of burning and concentrations of 5%, 10% and 20%. First count and total germination percentage and root, shoot and total seedling length were determined. Lettuce seedlings were not stimulated and greater shoot reduction occurred in concentration of 20%. Concentrations of 5%, 10% and 20% from single-burning of the plant material stimulate the root of maize seedlings, without alteration of the shoot part and obtaining a greater total length under concentration of 10%.