Eucalyptus Globulus' Effect on the Germination of Radish Seeds

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The purpose of the project was to determine whether Eucalyptus globulus had an effect on the germination of radish seeds. It was hypothesized that Eucalyptus globulus would have a negative effect on the germination of the seeds and their growth.

Before a seed can germinate it must first shed the seed coat, a protective outer layer that protects the seed from parasites, injury, and unfavorable temperatures. Inside the seed coat is the embryo which contains the root and first leaves of the plant, called cotyledons. After the seed coat has been shed the root emerges first so that it can absorb water and nutrients. After the roots have come out of the embryo the cotyledons will follow. Some seeds need certain conditions to germinate and go through a period of dormancy before they germinate. Seed dormancy ensures that the seed is protected until the conditions are right for it to germinate.

Allelopathy is the beneficial or harmful effect that one plant has on another. It occurs by the discharge of chemicals from plants by leaching, root exudation, volatilization, and residue decomposition. Allelopathy can affect the growth, occurrence, plant succession, dominance, diversity, and productivity of a plant. While allelopathy first referred to the negative effects of one plant on another, it has been broadened to include beneficial effects. Common effects of plant allelopathy are reduced seed germination and seedling growth. Although there is no common target site for allelochemicals, common sites of action are cell division, nutrient uptake, pollen germination, and photosynthesis. Allelopathy involves the interaction of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, steroids, carbohydrates, and amino acids. Sometimes mixtures of...

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...es. Leachates from stem flow and litter fall are responsible for allelopathic affects of Eucalyptus on other plants. Eucalyptus oil can be obtained by distillation of Eucalyptus leaves. The oil is used for medicinal, perfumery, and industrial purposes. Although Eucalyptus oil is used as a decongestant and treatment for bronchitis if it is taken in large dosages in pure form it is poisonous. The lethal dose of Eucalyptus oil for an adult is around .05 to .5 mL per kg of body weight. The component of Eucalyptus oil that gives it several uses is eucalyptol, also known as cineole.

Works Cited http://gardening.wsu.edu/library/vege004/vege004.htm http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs186

http://www.wssp.org.pk/14,1-2,2.pdf

http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Eucalyptol

http://www.fao.org/docrep/V5350E/V5350e07.htm

http://www.jtropag.in/index.php/ojs/article/viewFile/50/45

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