# Wood Distillate Enhances Seed Germination of Chickpea, Lettuce, and Basil
## 4 Discussion  
The application of WD in a concentration range of 0.17% to 0.25% (\(v/v\)) has shown a positive effect in significantly improving both Germination Percentage and rootlet length in several plant species. These remarkable improvements are supported by WD's unique ability to effectively interrupt seed dormancy, bringing seeds into an active and accelerated state of growth and development. Figure 5: Mean \(\pm\) standard deviation of Germination Percentage (GP%) (**A**), Germination Energy (GE%) (**B**), Germination Rate Index (GRI) (**C**), and Mean Germination Time (MGT) (**D**) of chicken seeds soaked with distilled water (CTRL), 0.25% WD, and 0.17% WD; different letters indicate statistically significant differences between treatments (\(p<0.05\)). Figure 6: Radicle length of chickpea seedlings primed with water (CTRL), 0.25% WD, or 0.17% WD. The length of the radiate was measured daily for 7 days. Different letters indicate statistically significant differences between treatments (\(p<0.05\)). Seed germination, a milestone in the life cycle of plants, has long been recognized as susceptible to the influences of pre-germination techniques that possess the power to circumvent the innate dormancy mechanisms inherent to seeds [37]. A profound understanding has emerged through extensive research, revealing the underlying mechanisms of seed priming, which is one such technique. Pre-germinative processes facilitate both quantitative and qualitative biochemical changes within the seeds. These processes encompass the repair of cellular membranes, the robust synthesis and activation of enzymes critical for the degradation and mobilization of stored reserves, and the initiation of endo-\(\beta\)-mannase, the enzyme responsible for ethylene synthesis [38]. Notably, [PERSON] et al. [39] have shed light on how seed priming facilitates and synchronizes DNA replication across all embryonic cells, showing a seamless progression of the cell cycle from \(G1\) to \(G2\). This process is promoted by the activation of cell cycle proteins such as \(\beta\)-tubulin, cyclins, and cyclin-dependent protein kinases. This pre-activation of the cell cycle represents a key mechanism through which priming amplifies germination performance [40]. Moreover, the augmented germination observed in primed seeds is often attributed to the heightened activity of antioxidant enzymes, further enriching the narrative of seed priming [41]. Based on this knowledge, a number of interesting studies have highlighted the potential of WD as a powerful germination stimulator in various crop species [12; 14; 41]. Its biostimulating capacity is based on the presence of phenolic compounds, organic acids (including citric acid), and various alcohol compounds, each of which is able to exert a favourable influence on seed germination rates [12]. Of particular interest is the presence of butanolide, a biologically active compound belonging to the karrikine family of phyto-hormones [42; 43]. This compound, armed with its stimulatory effects on germination and its pivotal role in regulating seedling photomorphogenesis, emerges as a keystone in WD's biostimulatory action [44; 45]. Furthermore, its multifaceted chemical composition, boasting various alcohol forms such as ethanol, methanol, and propranolol, unfolds as a compendium of germination triggers, particularly efficacious in propelling the germination of select grass seeds, as reported in the scientific literature [46; 47]. However, the effectiveness of WD is highly dependent on the concentrations used. Concentrations above the 0.5% threshold have been unequivocally identified as inhibiting germination and growth in a pantheon of plant species [48]. In our study, the two concentrations tested--0.17% and 0.25%--not only proved effective in increasing germination rates, but also showed a remarkable propensity to promote robust radicle development in all the seeds tested. These results are similar to the conclusions drawn from the study conducted by [PERSON] et al.