THE EFFECTS OF CALCIUM CARBONATE (CACO3) APPLICATION AT DIFFERENT CONCENTRATIONS ON SEED GERMINATION OF DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS L. (ASTERACEAE)

In this study, two different varieties of Carthamus tinctorius L. (Asteraceae) grown for biodiesel production, Remzibey and Din？er seeds were used as study material. The seeds of each variety were let out for germination by placing in calcium carbonate solutions, consisting pure water control, prepared at rates of 2%, 4% , 8%, 15%, 50% and 60% in Petri dishes, on two-fold drying paper, in 16 hours light/8 hours dark photoperiod, at 25 ± 1° C, repeating three times. When the data obtained were analysed statistically, Din？er variety was found out to be more resistant to calcium carbonate than Remzibey. Besides, both types of Carthamus tinctorius were observed to show better germination in 8% calcium carbonate solution than 4% calcium carbonate. As a result, it can be said that both species of Carthamus tinctorius can germinate better in neutral soil and slightly alkaline soil