Effects of Kütahya geothermal waters on seed germination

EFFECTS OF KÜTAHYA GEOTHERMAL WATERS ON SEED GERMINATION Aylin HAMARATGlL Department of Biology, M.S. Thesis, 2000 Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Ismail KOCAÇALIŞKAN SUMMARY In this study, effects of Kütahya geothermal waters on seed germination and seedling growth of 10 different plant species was searched. The seeds were germinated in petri dishes at 25 °C. Percent germination of the seeds was determined during five days. At the end of the 5th day of the germination, length and weight of the seedlings were measured. As a result, seed germination percentage and seedling growth of pepper, eggplant and vetch seeds were increased by all the geothermal waters. On the other hand, seed germination rate and seedling growth of sun-flower and tomato were inhibited by all the geothermal waters used. There wasn't any significant effect of all the geothermal waters on wheat, barley, chick- pea, bean and cucumber seed growth. Simav and Gediz geothermal waters had a most negative effect on seed germination. The reason for this was discussed from point of the toxic elements contained in the geothermal waters of Simav and Gediz. Key words: Germination, seedling growth, geotermal water.