Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Tomato and Lettuce As Affected by Vermicompost Tea Treatment, Poster Board #168

This study investigated the effect of vermicompost tea on the germination of tomato and lettuce seeds. Greenhouse experiments were conducted twice during September to December, 2010. Aerated vermicompost tea was prepared by extracting commercially produced chicken manure-based vermicompost in water at 1:10 dilution rate (vermicompost to water ratio by volume and referred as 10% vermicompost tea) with continuous aeration for 12 h. This extract was further diluted with water to produce 5%, 3% and 1% dilution ratios. Tomato and lettuce seeds were soaked overnight (9 hr) in 10%, 5% 3%, and 1% vermicompost tea and in water (control). Seeds were sown in peat-perlite medium, fertilized with chicken manure-based compost to provide 300 mg·L^-1 of N media (150 kg·ha^-1 of N). Media were sprayed once at the time of sowing with the respective concentration of vermicompost tea used for soaking the seeds. Seedlings were harvested after four weeks of planting. Soaking seeds into vermicompost tea significantly (P < 0.0001) increased germination percentage and seedling growth of tomato and lettuce compared to control. The response to concentrations of the vermicompost tea was generally linear. Presence of humic acid (465 mg·L^-1) and small quantity (198 ng·L^-1) of GA₄ in 10% chicken manure-based vermicompost tea suggests the possibility of hormonal effects on seed germination and better root growth. The earlier emergence and better root growth with vermicompost tea treatment seems to be responsible for better nutrient uptake, growth and faster maturation of the seedlings. The results of this study suggest that vermicompost tea can be a good amendment for vegetable seed germination by increasing the number of seeds germinated and accelerating seedling development.