Influence of Volatile Peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.) Compounds on Germination and Seedling of Radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. radicula Pers.) Growth

The research concerns the influence of volatile compounds contained in dry peppermint leaves (Mentha xpiperita L.) on germination and seedling characteristics of radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. radicula Pers. 'Poldluga'). 1, 5 and 10 g of dried peppermint leaves were added respectively into containers, and then Petri dishes with radish seeds were placed in each of them. The control was performed without dried mint. Radish seeds treated with volatile mint compounds in the lowest 1g dose germinated similarly to the control sample. The other two doses, 5 and 10 g, inhibited the process of seeds germination. Allelophatins from M. xpiperita at 1 g of dose had also a stimulating effect on the growth of radish seedlings, especially its roots. The growth of underground organs was also observed at 5 and 10 g doses. For radishes grown in the lowest dose of allelopathic compounds, the values of fresh and dry masses and percentage water content were highest. As the dose of emitters increased, a slight decrease in the value of these parameters was observed, as compared to the control.