The role of magnesium salts in germination and growth of Cucumis sativus L.

The aim of the study was to determine the eect of magnesium sulphate and carbonate on the germination and growth of cucumber seeds (Cucumis sativus L.). For the experiment was used (1) Kottke et al. (1987) medium (pH 5.4) and its modification: (2) Kottke medium with the addition of MgSO4×7H2O (pH 4.8), (3) Kottke medium with the addition of MgCO3×3H2O (pH 6.5) and (4) distilled water (control). Characterisation of the germination capacity of cucumber seeds, under the influence of Kottke medium and its modification, were measured by germination indexes. An attempt was also made to assess the eect of mediums on growth on the length of plants, fresh and dry mass and water content. Germination indexes showed that the presence of magnesium carbonates and sulphates slightly inhibited seed germination, compared to the control. Biometric analysis of C. sativus roots showed a stimulating effect of mediums regardless of the time of watering the plants. Compared to the control, the length of hypocotyl was inhibited in the presence of the magnesium and sulphates ions. Thee highest growth of cucumber stalks in plants watered with mediums supplemented with magnesium salts for all time of experiment was observed. The petiole growth in length was stimulated by all modifications of Kottke medium. Fresh mass values, regardless of the type of medium and the time of its use, were higher in relation to the mass values from the control sample. Only the fresh mass of hypocotyl from plants watered throughout the experiment with magnesium salts was lower compared to the control. For all tested C. sativus organs an increase in the dry mass value was demonstrated. The percentage of water content was the lowest for roots and first leaves compared to the control.