Effect of the extract of schanginia aegyptiaca on seed germination and seedling growth of roselle (hibiscus sabdariffa l.)

Abstract

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of Schanginia aegyptiaca extract at different concentrations on seed germination and seedling growth of two cultivars of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.). Four extract concentrations; 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2%, in addition to control, were used. Germination percentage was strongly inhibited by all halophyte extract concentrations. Mean germination time was increased at the lower levels of the extract used but it decreased at the higher ones. The two cultivars did not differ from each other in germination rate but they differ in mean germination time, with the red cultivar has the lower MGT. The results show that as the percent of the halophyte extract increases, the germination index decreases. However, coefficient uniformity emergence (CUE) shows no significant differences at all extract concentrations used and at both cultivars. Root and shoot length and dry weight show significant reduction in proportional to increase in halophyte extract concentrations. It is concluded that Schanginia aegyptiaca extract has adverse effect on germination and seedling growth of roselle.