Biochar as a Stimulator for Germination Capacity in Seeds of Virginia Mallow (Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby)

This article presents the findings of a laboratory study investigating the stimulation and conditioning of seeds with biochar and the effects observed in the germination and emergence of Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby) seedlings. The study shows that biochar, applied as a conditioner added to water in the process of seed hydration, improves their germination capacity. When the processed plant material was added to water at a rate of 5 g (approx. 1250 seeds) per 100 mL, the rate of germination increased to 45.3%, and was 23.3% higher when compared to the control group, and 7.3% higher than in the seeds hydrated without biochar. The beneficial effects of biochar application were also reflected in the increased mass of Virginia mallow seedlings. The mass of seedlings increased by 73.5% compared to the control sample and by 25.9% compared to the seeds hydrated without biochar. Given the low cost of charcoal applied during the hydro-conditioning process, the material can be recommended as a conditioner in large-scale production of Virginia mallow.