Hemp Inflorescence as a Sustainable Biostimulant Tool to Boost Growth and Antioxidant Capacity in Oilseed Pumpkin.

ABSTRACT: The study investigates whether water extracts from industrial hemp inflorescences influence the germination and early growth of hull-less oilseed pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.), with the hypothesis that industrial hemp extracts may act as a biostimulant, enhancing growth, biomass, and bioactive compound accumulation in pumpkin seedlings. Fully developed and healthy inflorescences of industrial hemp were harvested, dried, ground into powder, filtered, and diluted to concentrations of control (water), 1.0%, 2.5%, and 5.0% for the seed germination bioassay. Morphological, growth parameters, and bioactive compounds of the hull-less oilseed pumpkin sprouts were determined. Total germination rate was not affected with industrial hemp inflorescent water extracts, while sprout vigor index and

SUBMITTER: Varga I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12655846 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature