Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the effect of Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. (Aloe) and Morinda citrifolia L. (Indian mulberry) plant extracts and disinfectant Huva-San TR 50 (hydrogen peroxide stabilized with silver ions) on carrot seed quality. The seeds of two carrot cultivars Amsterdam (sample I) and Berlikumer 2 (sample II), were soaked in solutions of Aloe and Indian mulberry extracts and Huva-San TR 50 at concentrations of 0.025 %, 0.05 % and 0.1 % for 30 min. Untreated seeds and seeds soaked in distilled water for 30 min were used as controls. Seed germination was assessed after 7 and 14 days of incubation. The speed and uniformity of seed germination (vigour) were evaluated. Mycological analysis was performed using a deep-freeze blotter test. Sample I was characterized by lower germination at the first and the final counts than sample II and higher seed infestation with Alternaria radicina. Treating seeds of sample I with Morinda citrifolia plant extract at concentrations of 0.025 and 0.05 % reduced their infestation with Alternaria alternata and A. radicina, increased germination at the first and the final counts, and did not affect seed vigour. The effects of Aloe extract and disinfectant Huva-San TR 50 on seed quality parameters varied depending on their concentration. Hence, further studies are necessary to establish the optimal conditions for carrot seed treatment.