Vol. 7, Issue 6, Part D (2025)

The present study investigates the influence of Cicer arietinum L. (chickpea) exudates on the seed germination of Glycine maxMerr. with the objective of enhancing germination efficiency through natural biochemical interactions. exudates, known for containing various organic compounds such as amino acids, sugars, phenolics, and phytohormones, can play a significant role in plant-plant interactions and may act as natural biostimulants. In this study, exudates were collected from hydroponically grown Cicer arietinum plants. Different concentrations (5%, 10%, 15%,) of the exudate solutions were prepared and used to treat Glycine max seeds for a period of 2 hours prior to germination trials. The treated seeds were then incubated under controlled laboratory conditions, and germination rates were recorded over a period of seven days.

Among the treatments, the 5% concentration of Cicer arietinum exudate showed the most significant effect, resulting in the highest germination percentage compared to other concentrations and the control group. The results suggest that compounds present in chickpea exudates at optimal concentrations may stimulate enzymatic or hormonal responses in soybean seeds, leading to improved germination. However, higher concentrations beyond 5% did not yield further benefits and may potentially inhibit germination due to phototoxic effects.

This study highlights the potential of using natural plant exudates as a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to improve seed germination in legumes like soybean. Further research on the biochemical components of the exudates and their specific roles could pave the way for innovative applications in agricultural practices.