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REVIEW ARTICLE

PLANT WATER EXTRACT AS SEED GERMINATION AND

EMERGENCE ENHANCERS

Abstract

With concerns over synthetic chemical use, plant extracts are gaining interest as sustainable
alternatives for stimulating seed germination and emergence. This review synthesizes key
insights from recent studies evaluating plant extracts as seed-priming agents and natural
herbicides. Aqueous extracts from various plant materials contain secondary metabolites,
including phenolics, flavonoids, and terpenoids, influencing germination and early seedling
growth through allelopathic interactions. Extracts from Allium, Syzygium, Agapanthus, and
Glycyrrhiza at optimal concentrations demonstrate stimulatory effects on germination
percentages, seedling vigor, and growth in crops like beans, cowpeas, and Moringa. The
bioactive compounds likely accelerate metabolic processes in seeds and seedlings. Inhibitory
phytotoxic effects are observed at higher concentrations, evidenced by suppressed germination
and seedling growth in wheat and cabbage treated with Calotropis and caper extracts,
respectively. These allelopathic interactions highlight the potential of using selective plant
extracts as natural herbicides. However, further research is imperative to isolate active
compounds, elucidate mechanisms, optimize extraction protocols, and validate extract effects
under field conditions to translate these promising applications into sustainable agricultural
practices.

Keywords: Seed priming, Bio-stimulants, Allelopathy, Secondary metabolites, Sustainable

agriculture

INTRODUCTION

Traditional agriculture has long been utilizing plant extracts for their beneficial effects on
crop growth and yield. A piece of scientific evidence probing the validity of the stimulatory and
inhibitory effects of plant extracts on seed germination, seedling growth, and plant
development. This has spurred interest in identifying and utilizing plant-derived
allelochemicals as natural plant growth regulators and herbicides (Lim et al., 2020; Masangwa
et al., 2017). The potential use of plant extracts offers a sustainable alternative to synthetic
chemicals for stimulating seed germination, emergence, and seedling establishment in crops.

For instance, crude aqueous or organic solvent extracts of various plant parts for their
impacts on seed physiology and early seedling growth of crops such as wheat, rice, corn,
soybean, common bean, and cowpea have been evaluated by Ahmad et al. (2020) Masangwa et
al. (2017), and Radwan et al. (2019).These extracts exhibited biostimulant or inhibitory
activities, attributed to the presence of bioactive secondary metabolites such as phenolics,
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flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and terpenoids. The effects were concentration-dependent, with
lower doses stimulating seed germination and growth while higher concentrations were
inhibitory or phytotoxic (Mahdavikia et al., 2015). Proposed mechanisms of action include
enzyme activation, enhanced hydrolysis and mobilization of seed reserves, hormone-like
activity, and antimicrobial effects (Masangwa et al., 2017).

While significant progress has been made, further research is needed to fully understand the
composition, efficacy, stability, and functionality of bioactive plant extracts for improving seed
performance and plant growth across diverse crops and environments. Assessing the impacts
on seedling vigor, plant development, and yield under field conditions is vital. Exploring
synergistic effects with other agricultural inputs should also be emphasized. Additionally,
optimizing extraction methods, dosages, and application techniques requires investigation.
Elucidating the specific mechanisms of action of identified bioactive compounds remains an
important research frontier.

Therefore, this review aims to analyze the current literature on the potential of plant-based
extracts to stimulate seed germination, emergence, and early seedling growth in major staple
food and horticultural crops. It will synthesize key findings regarding active constituents,
biological activities, efficacy, and proposed mechanisms from in vitro, growth chamber, and
field studies. The review will also identify critical knowledge gaps and promising areas for
further research and development of plant extract-based seed treatments as sustainable tools for
enhancing crop establishment and productivity.

Plant Extract Enhance Seeds Germination and Growth of Microorganisms

Radwan et al., (2019) studied the effect of Calotropis procera L. plant extract on seeds
germination and the growth of microorganisms. Their study aimed to investigate the effect of
aqueous extract from Calotropis procera on the growth of wheat, barley, and pathogenic
microorganisms. The aqueous extract was prepared from plant parts collected from Egypt's
Eastern Desert, followed by phytochemical analysis to test for bioactive compounds.
Germination experiments were conducted using different extract concentrations to determine
the impact on wheat and barley seed germination percentage, radicle length, and plumule
length. The extract's antimicrobial activity was evaluated by measuring bacterial growth
inhibition zones against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The key findings revealed
that higher concentrations of C. procera extract significantly reduced wheat germination
percentage, radicle length, and plumule length compared to the control but did not affect barley
germination. However, the extract suppressed barley radicle and plumule growth. The extract
also exhibited a marked increase in growth inhibition of E. coli and S. aureus with increasing
concentrations. Phytochemical screening detected the presence of phenolics, flavonoids,
alkaloids, tannins, and saponins in the extract.

Plant Extract as Germination and Seedling Emergence Enhancers

Masangwa et al., (2017) conducted a study on germination and seedling emergence

responses of common bean and cowpea to plant extract seed treatments. Their experiment
investigated the effects of crude plant extracts as seed treatments on the germination and
emergence of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). The seeds
were treated with water and acetone extracts from different plant species at varying
concentrations. Germination percentage, mean emergence time (MET), and seedling
ultrastructure were evaluated as key parameters. The results revealed that low concentrations
of Allium, Syzygium, and Agapanthus water extracts, and Allium, Agapanthus, and Carica
acetone extracts showed high germination rates and low MET in beans, without negatively
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impacting emergence or MET. The extracts also mitigated the harmful effects of Colletotrichum
dematium on cowpea emergence. Transmission electron microscopy indicated accelerated
metabolic activity in bean and cowpea embryo-cotyledon tissues treated with Agapanthus and
Syzygium extracts.

In a preliminary study preliminary study of plant extract on seed germination by Lim et al.,
(2020) evaluate the effects of caper (Capparis spinosa) seed extracts on the germination and
seedling growth of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis). Different infusions of
caper seed powder in water, methanol, and acetone were tested by soaking the cabbage seeds
and assessing germination percentage, germination index, and growth parameters over 7 days.
The key findings showed that 100% water extract and 50% methanol extract sharply reduced
the germination rate of cabbage seeds to 70% and 4.67% respectively, compared to the control.
The extracts also negatively impacted cabbage shoot length, root length, fresh weight, and
relative growth rate in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibition of germination and growth
suggested allelochemicals in caper seeds with phytotoxic effects.

Additionally, Ahmad et al., (2020) studied the effect of some plant extracts and media culture
on seed germination and seedling growth of Moringa oleifera. They investigated the impacts of
Glycyrrhiza glabra and Ammi majus extracts and different soil media on Moringa oleifera seed
germination, seedling growth, and phytochemical content. Moringa seeds were treated with
varying concentrations of the extracts and grown in three soil types under controlled conditions.
Parameters like germination percentage, seedling morphology, and phytochemical levels were
quantified. The results showed A. majus extract at 10 g/L gave the highest germination
percentage in Moringa seeds. Both extracts significantly influenced stem elongation, diameter,
leaf and root growth, and biomass in the seedlings. Total phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant
activity also increased in seedlings treated with the extracts. Additionally, the type of soil media
impacted seedling vigor and phytochemical accumulation.

Phytotoxic Activity of Plant Essential Oil and Water Extract

The phytotoxic activity of essential oil and water extract of peppermint in agricultural crops
and weeds was carried out by Mahdavikia et al., 2015. They evaluated the allelopathic potential
of peppermint (Mentha x piperita) essential oil and water extract on the seed germination and
seedling growth of horticultural crops (tomato and radish) and weeds (field bindweed, purslane,
and jungle rice). Different bioassays were performed using a range of essential oil and extract
concentrations. The key findings showed that the essential oil exhibited stronger phytotoxic
effects than the water extract, and weeds were more sensitive than crops. Both essential oil and
extract decreased germination percentage, radicle and plumule length, and seedling fresh
weight in the tested species, indicating inhibitory allelopathic activity. The main components
identified in peppermint oil were menthol, menthone, menthofuran, and 1,8-cineole.

Synthesis and Discussion

The studies reviewed reveal several key insights into the effects of plant extracts as
enhancers of seed germination and seedling emergence across different crop and weed species.
A common theme is the presence of plant secondary metabolites like phenolics, flavonoids, and
terpenoids that influence germination and growth through allelopathic interactions (Ahmad et
al., 2020; Mahdavikia et al., 2015). Specific plant extracts at optimal concentrations
demonstrate stimulatory effects on germination percentage, seedling vigor, and growth
parameters (Ahmad et al., 2020; Masangwa et al., 2017). The germination enhancement is
attributed to accelerated metabolic processes induced by the plant bioactive compounds
(Masangwa et al., 2017).
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 Conversely, higher extract concentrations exhibit inhibitory allelopathic effects, suppressing
germination, radicle emergence, and seedling development (Lim et al., 2020; Radwan et al.,
2019). The phytotoxicity likely arises from allelochemical interference with key physiological
and biochemical pathways involved in germination (Mahdavikia et al., 2015). These contrasting
effects highlight the need to optimize extraction methods and concentrations to harness the
potential of plant extracts as seed priming agents or natural herbicides (Masangwa et al., 2017;
Radwan et al., 2019). The collective evidence points to the bioactivity of plant extracts and their
efficacy as sustainable alternatives to synthetic chemicals for enhancing seedling establishment
and controlling weeds. However, further research is required to isolate the specific bioactive
metabolites, elucidate their mechanisms of action, examine bioavailability, and validate
performance under diverse agricultural conditions through field trials (Ahmad et al., 2020; Lim
et al., 2020). Advancing this understanding will provide a foundation for translating the
promising seed priming and herbicidal applications of plant extracts into viable agronomic
practices.

Implications and Future Directions

The studies demonstrate the potential of using plant-derived extracts as natural stimulants or
inhibitors of seed germination and seedling growth. However, several implications need to be
considered before these can be developed into effective seed treatments or natural herbicides.
Firstly, while many studies show efficacy under controlled conditions, field testing is essential
to determine real-world biological activity, crop safety, optimal application rates, and impacts
on yield (Mahdavikia et al., 2015). Environmental factors like temperature, moisture, and soil
properties may influence extract bioavailability and plant uptake over time (Masangwa et al.,
2017). Stability and shelf-life of active ingredients also require investigation. Secondly, the
mechanisms of action need to be fully elucidated to understand selectivity and avoid unintended
ecological effects (Lim et al., 2020). Identification of specific bioactive compounds enables
structure-activity relationship studies for targeted manipulation and synergistic combinations
(Radwan et al., 2019). Toxicity, biodegradability, and ecotoxicological testing of extracts and
isolated compounds should be emphasized to ensure environmental safety (Ahmad et al., 2020).
Thirdly, extraction methods need optimization for enhanced efficiency, standardization, and
cost-effectiveness (Mahdavikia et al., 2015). Assessing how plant part, growth stage, post-
harvest processing, solvents, and other variables affect extract composition and activity is
important. Sustainable sourcing of plant materials should also be ensured. Finally, while some
extracts exhibit selective weed control, crop safety needs to be thoroughly evaluated, especially
for food crops (Lim et al., 2020). Impacts on seed quality traits like viability and vigor require
investigation. Potential phytotoxicity and residue issues need to be addressed. Integrated
solutions combining plant extracts with other agricultural inputs should be explored.

Conclusion

In general, the emerging research on plant extracts as seed priming agents and natural
herbicides revealed their potential to promote sustainable agriculture through enhancing
germination and controlling weeds. Aqueous extracts from various plant parts contain bioactive
secondary metabolites such as phenolics, flavonoids, and terpenoids that can stimulate or inhibit
germination and seedling vigor depending on the extract source, concentration, and target
species. Specific extracts at optimal doses demonstrate seed priming effects by accelerating
metabolic activity and protecting against aging and pathogens. The phytotoxic properties of
certain extracts also confer natural herbicidal effects against weeds. However, translating these
promising effects into field applications requires further research to isolate and characterize the
active compounds, elucidate mechanisms of action, optimize extraction protocols, and validate
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performance under diverse agricultural settings through field trials. Overall, plant extracts
present a green alternative to synthetic chemicals for seed priming and weed control, contingent
upon advanced scientific inquiry to support their adoption in sustainable agriculture.

References

Ahmad, A.S., Abdali, D.K., Hasan, Z.A., Sahi, A.I., & Mohammed, S.S. (2020). Effect of
some plant extracts and media culture on seed germination and seedling growth of
Moringa oleifera. Plant Archives, 20(2), 4651-4655.
Chen J C, Huang H J, Wei S H, Zhang C X and Huang Z F 2015 Journal of Integrative
Agriculture 14 919-925
Lim, L., Khor, H., Talip, N., & Ibrahim, M. (2020). Preliminary study of plant extract on seed
germination. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 426(1), 012037.
https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/426/1/012037
Mahdavikia, F., Saharkhiz, M. J., & Ghanadian, M. (2015). Phytotoxic activity of essential oil
and water extract of peppermint (Mentha× piperita L. CV. Mitcham) in agricultural
crops and weeds. Journal of Essential Oil Bearing Plants, 18(6), 1405-1411.
https://doi.org/10.1080/0972060X.2014.971069
Masangwa, J.I., Aveling, T.A.S., & Kritzinger, Q. (2017). Germination and seedling
emergence responses of common bean and cowpea to plant extract seed treatments.
South African Journal of Botany, 111, 299-304.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2017.04.001
Radwan, F., Farrag, S., El-Garhy, H.A., & Soliman, M.H.M. (2019). Effect of Calotropis
procera L. plant extract on seeds germination and the growth of microorganisms.
Egyptian Journal of Botany, 59(2), 525-536.
https://doi.org/10.21608/ejbo.2019.4379.1199