Efecto de la aplicación de ácido giberélico (AG3) sobre la germinación de semillas, crecimiento y desarrollo de las plántulas de Lawsonia inermis L. (Lythraceae)

Abstract

Lawsonia inermis L. (Lythraceae), also commonly known as "henna," is native to and commercialized in Africa and Asia, valued for its ornamental, medicinal, and cosmetic uses. The propagation of henna is limited by its seeds, which have a low germination percentage. Four doses of gibberellic acid (GA3) were used: 0 ppm, 250 ppm, 500 ppm, and 1000 ppm, with 2 periods of seed immersion, 24 and 48 hours. The emergence percentage was evaluated, recorded when the plumule became visible, and the height of the seedlings (cm), number of leaves, and stem diameter were recorded at 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 days after planting (dds). It was revealed that GA3 did not have a significant effect on the seedling emergence rate but did positively influence height, number of leaves, and stem diameter. It was observed that seedlings exposed to higher concentrations of GA3 and longer immersion periods exhibited greater height, number of leaves, and larger stem diameters compared to those subjected to lower doses and shorter times. This suggests that GA3 has a beneficial impact on the growth and development of L. inermis seedlings. After 90 dds, 10 seedlings were randomly selected from each treatment, and fresh weight (mm), dry weight (mm), and root length (cm) were evaluated. It was observed that there were no significant differences, but it is noteworthy that at higher concentrations of GA3 and prolonged immersion times, the biomass weight of the seedlings was higher. On the other hand, regarding root length, there were no significant differences.