Dose-Dependent and Species-Specific Effects of Wood Distillate Addition on the Germination Performance of Threatened Arable Plants

Abstract

Wood distillate (WD) is a bio-based product applied to crop plants for its known action in terms of growth promotion and yield enhancement, but studies are lacking on its effects on the germination of arable plants. To test such effects, we applied WD at six different concentrations on the diaspores of three threatened arable plants: Bromus secalinus, Centaurea cyanus, and Legousia speculum-veneris. For all the studied species, the effect of WD was dose-dependent and species-specific. In B. secalinus, the germination percentage (GP) decreased at 0.125% WD but then remained stable at higher concentrations up to 1%. At 2% WD, almost no germination was observed. Mean germination time (MGT) was not influenced up to 1% WD but significantly increased at 2% WD. The germination rate index (GRI) and germination energy (GE) remained unaffected up to 1% WD but decreased at 2% WD. In C. cyanus, WD had no effects on GP and GE at any concentration. MGT showed no difference with the control up to 1% WD, but significantly increased at 2% WD. GRI increased only at low concentrations (0.125% and 0.25%). The germination performance of L. speculum-veneris was unaffected up to 0.25% WD for all the tested parameters. From 0.5% WD, a reduction in GP, GRI, and GE and an increase in MGT were observed. At 2% WD, germination was totally blocked. Our results suggest that using WD at low concentrations (<0.5%), those commonly used in arable crops, does not affect the germination of the three investigated plant species.

Hormetic Effect of Wood Distillate on Hydroponically Grown Lettuce

“…Conversely, the addition of 0.5% (v/v) WD led to a general reduction in the different parameters compared to both the C and WD1 plants. Therefore, it is plausible to characterize the hormetic effect of WD based on concentration, presumably attributable to the chemical composition of WD exerting a dose-dependent influence on plant growth [29].…”

“…Furthermore, WD possesses the ability to stimulate root development, induce flowering and strengthen plant resilience in the face of various environmental stressors [26][27][28]. However, it is crucial to emphasize that the effects of WD on plants are hormetic, i.e., they depend on the dosage and are also species-specific [29,30] and that excessive concentrations of WD can potentially be detrimental to plants due to its inherent acidity [31]. Consequently, it is crucial to determine the appropriate concentration of WD that maximizes its beneficial effects while avoiding any negative impact on plant growth.…”

Wood Distillate Promotes the Tolerance of Lettuce in Extreme Salt Stress Conditions

“…However, the efficacy of WD depends on the concentration used; if WD is applied between 0.2% and 0.5% (v/v), it stimulates plant growth and yield [36,38,43,44], while if it is applied at dosages higher than 0.5% (v/v), it can have herbicidal effects [42,45,46]. To the best of our knowledge, lettuce irrigated with saline water has not been the subject of WD studies.…”

“…Its applications include improving soil quality [41], controlling weeds [42], regulating plant growth [36], and reducing the negative effects of the presence of bioplastics in the soil [38]. However, the efficacy of WD depends on the concentration used; if WD is applied between 0.2% and 0.5% (v/v), it stimulates plant growth and yield [36,38,43,44], while if it is applied at dosages higher than 0.5% (v/v), it can have herbicidal effects [42,45,46]. To the best of our knowledge, lettuce irrigated with saline water has not been the subject of WD studies.…”

Mini-Kilns for Charcoal-Making: An Eco-Friendly Solution for Small-Scale Production of Charcoal and Wood Vinegar

“…One of the prevalent strategies is to add value, to promote the circular economy and provide a suitable harnessing of the carbonization coproducts. In agriculture, WV can be used as an insecticide, fungicide, bactericidal, crop growth promoter, and so on [11][12][13][14]. Also, using WV as a preservative, a source of chemicals, and a basis for veterinary products has been accomplished [15][16][17].…”