Effect of plant-derived smoke solutions on seedling growth and some chemical traits of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

The study was carried out to examine the effect of smoke solutions obtained from different plants on seedling growth and feed quality of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). For this purpose, three different smoke solutions were prepared with centaury (Hypericum heterophyllum L.), bovine tail (Verbascum thapsus L.) and yellow stone clover (Melilotus officinalis L.) collected from natural environment. The stock solutions prepared were diluted with distilled water and adjusted at 5 different concentrations (10, 20, 40, 80 and 100%) and pure water was used as a control. After planting equal amounts of alfalfa seeds in the pots set in three replications, the first irrigation was done with the prepared solutions. At the end of the experiment, plant height, chlorophyll content, wet and dry weight, ADF, NDF, protein and mineral substance contents were examined in alfalfa seedlings. As a result of the study, it was revealed that smoke solutions affect the chemical content and yield of alfalfa, but this effect changes depending on the solution source and concentration.