EFFECTS OF LASER HAIR REMOVAL PRE-TREATMENT ON THE GERMINATION OF SUNFLOWER SEEDS (HELIANTHUS ANNUUS L.), PHENOLICS AND MALONDIALDEHYDES CONTENTS

Abstract

Use of various technologies intended to enhance the productivity in agriculture has been increased with each passing day. Effects of laser beam on germination, growth and some physiological parameters in sunflower seeds were examined for this purpose. Seeds of sunflower of Sirena (Helianthus annuus L.) were used in the study. As a pre-treatment, laser light in different doses: 0, 6, 12, 18 joule/cm(2) was treated to the seeds for 30 seconds at a distance of 8 mm with a 755 nm Alexandrite Candela. Following the trials, germination percentage, root and shoot lengths and their fresh and dry weights were determined. Furthermore changes in malondialdehyde (MDA) and total phenolics in the roots and leaves of the seedlings were examined. Root and shoot lengths were determined to be reduced depending on laser treatment. Whereas a significant change wasn't observed in the wet shoot weights, wet root weights were found to be decreased. Dry root and shoot weights of the seedlings based on the treatments were found to be decreased at 18 and 12 joule/cm(2). Pre-treatment for laser hair removal was found to cause significant decreases on the germination of sunflower seed in the treatment at the dose of 18 joule/cm(2) as compared with control group. Whereas no significant change in total phenolic and MDA contents in the roots based on laser treatment was found, MDA contents and total phenolics of leaves were found to be significant as compared with control group at the doses of respectively 18 joule/cm(2) and 12 joule/cm(2).