Effect of Bee glue (Propolis) Powder Aqueous Extract, Potassium Nitrate and their Mixture on Seed Germination and Some Growth Parameters of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Groundnut is considered one of the major oil seed crops, widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Its multiple uses make it as an excellent cash crop for domestic market and for foreign trade as well. The low germination level and poor growth of the crop in some conditions due to plant pathogens and other causal agents is one of the factors behind low productivity. Considering the irrational use of synthetic pesticides to control various pests and diseases of the crops and their adverse effects on environment, natural habitats through their residual toxicity, this study which was conducted under laboratory conditions of College of Agricultural Studies “Shambat”, Sudan University of Science and Technology, aimed to investigate the effect of bee glue (Propolis) powder aqueous extract, potassium nitrate and their mixture on seed germination and some growth parameter of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Three concentrations of aqueous extract of Propolis powder, potassium nitrate solution and their mixing up, each of 5, 10 and 15% were used in addition to untreated control. The assessment of their effect on seed germination and plant health was recorded through the percentage of germination and their influence on growth

parameters.