Evaluating the Potential of Honey as Seed Germination Enhancer

Abstract

Seed germination is the process by which an organism grows from a seed, initiated by specific enzymes activated upon exposure to water. Roots grow downward and shoot upward towards the soil surface during this process. Various factors, including chemicals, influence seed germination. In this study, we examined the effects of honey and its proteins on seed germination. Acacia honey from north-west Pakistan was used as the specimen. We used honey to aid the germination of pea plants. Honey proteins were extracted using the acetone and salt precipitation method. Protein estimation was performed using the Lowry assay, and SDS-PAGE was conducted to analyze the extracted honey proteins and their molecular weight. The extracted honey proteins were then used for seed germination. Our study found that honey proteins enhanced the rate of seed germination.