Effect of Some Pesticides on Seed Germination of Selected Vegetables

Abstract

Background and Objective: Pesticides are highly toxic substances. Their toxicity may not be absolutely specific to the target organisms but can adversely affect different processes in the non-target host plants. The main objectives of this research were to know about the concentration-dependent effect of these pesticides on seed germination, to investigate potential differences in sensitivity among different vegetable crops, and to find optimal pesticide concentrations for maximum germination.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the laboratory of the Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad-Vehari campus. Seeds of different vegetables (Radish, Turnip, Green beans, Okra, and Brinjal) were procured from an authenticated source with no apparent infection or damage. The seeds were treated with various concentrations of pesticide solutions (Atrazine and Bifenthrin), including control (0 ppm), 1, 10 and 25 ppm, with three replications to observe their growth-promoting or inhibiting effects. A total of 120 plastic boxes were used, divided into two units (each with 60 boxes), in a factorial design with 2-way interaction. Data were collected for different parameters, including seed germination, seedling growth, and seedling length.

Results: The results indicated that seed germination was increased by the application of different pesticides. All the tested pesticides reduced the growth of different vegetable seeds when applied in higher concentrations than the recommended dose, but at lower doses, the pesticides showed stimulatory effects on growth compared to the control.

Conclusion: Pesticides, while generally toxic, can have concentration-dependent effects on vegetable seeds. Lower concentrations of pesticides may stimulate germination and growth, whereas higher concentrations inhibit growth and reduce seedling development.