Effect of Suspected Natural Stimulators on Zea Mays L. Var. Rugosa’s Germination Rate

Overview

Many individuals cultivate gardens to avoid store-bought produce laced with synthetic chemicals. As a result, there is a demand for a natural, effective fertilizer alternative. The purpose of the experiment was to test the effectiveness of various natural household compounds that are commonly suspected to stimulate germination. Lemon juice, grapefruit juice, and Epsom salt concentrations were selected as treatments through internet articles and discussion with science professionals. Then, they were tested through studying the germination of Zea mays L. var. rugosa--commonly known as sweet corn--which germinates quickly, is easily visible upon germination, and is very hardy. 54 seeds were planted to test each treatment group: 1% lemon juice, 5% lemon juice, 1% grapefruit juice, 5% grapefruit juice, 1 tablespoon Epsom salt, and 2 tablespoons Epsom salt. The fruit juice concentrations were applied through daily watering; the Epsom salt was inserted as a solid into the soil during planting. Additionally, 54 control seeds were planted. All treatment groups, including the control group, were planted under a 1-inch layer of topsoil and were placed under grow lights set to turn on from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. Daily, equal watering occurred for all treatment groups; distilled water was always used, including in the dilution of fruit juices. Germination rates were determined after 1 week, which is shorter than the typical speed of germination, and after 2 weeks, which is longer than the typical speed of germination. Ultimately, all 6 treatment groups resulted in p-values higher than the chosen 0.05 significance level when compared to the control through a two-proportion z-test. We failed to reject the null hypothesis that there is no difference in the germination rate of Zea mays L. var. rugosa with or without the various treatments after 1 and 2 weeks. This means that the suspected natural stimulators had neither a positive nor a negative impact on the germination of seeds in the experiment, suggesting that they may not be effective stimulators of germination. Future experimentation with more replication, different treatment concentrations, or different plant species may have the potential to produce statistically significant results.

Competition history

• AJAS 2020 Category not listed

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