New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science abstracts
Use of a germination bioassay to test compost maturity of willow (Salix sp.) sawdust
N. F. Gariglio
M. A. Buyatti
R. A. Pilatti
D. E. Gonzalez Rossia
M. R. Acosta
Cátedra de Fisiología Vegetal
Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias
Universidad Nacional del Litoral
P. Kreder 2805, (3080) Esperanza (Santa Fe)
Argentina
email: ngarigli@fca.unl.edu.ar
Abstract Willow (Salix sp.) sawdust (WS) is used as a component of growing media in horticultural crops and potted plant production in Santa Fe, Argentina. We evaluated the use of the germination bioassay as an indicator of WS maturity/phytotoxicity by comparing bioassays results with dry matter production of plants growing in the same substrate. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seeds were sown on filter paper moistened with extracts of WS composted for different times. Germinated seeds were counted (G) and the radicle growth (L) measured. Germination index (Gi) = G/G0 x L/L0 x 100, where G0 and L0 are values obtained using distilled water (control). The global germination index (GI) was the Gi average of the 50 and 75% extract dilution. GI of lettuce increased from 5% in the non-composted WS to 93.3% in the WS composted for 40 days. GI did not change significantly after 40 days of composting. Calendula dry matter production increased from 8 g/plant in non-composted WS to 17.1 g/plant in WS composted for 40 or 60 days. The addition of nitrogen and pH corrector did not affect GI of the WS growth media but they both increased calendula dry matter production to 21.1–22.7 g/plant when WS composted for 40 or 60 days was used as a growth medium.
Keywords willow sawdust; composting; soilless culture; phytotoxicity; growth media; germination bioassay
H01033 Received 28 June 2001; accepted 3 December 2001
New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science, 2002, Vol. 30: 135–139
0014–0671/02/3002–0135 $7.00 © The Royal Society of New Zealand 2002
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