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Germination in Pea Plants Stimulated by Ferric Nitrate. MEGHAN RECKMEYER 9 TH GRADE. Problem:. Is it possible to germinate a pea seed with iron solution? And if so, could enough iron solution in a plant stimulate a magnetic pull in the plant?. Research.
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Germination in Pea Plants Stimulated by Ferric Nitrate MEGHAN RECKMEYER 9TH GRADE
Problem: • Is it possible to germinate a pea seed with iron solution? And if so, could enough iron solution in a plant stimulate a magnetic pull in the plant?
Research • A common side effect of germinating pea plants with iron solution is that the plant will not receive enough copper and zinc nutrients to germinate. • Of all the iron solutions, some are attracted to magnets, while others are not. One example of an iron solution that can be used in plant germination is ferric nitrate. • Ferric Nitrate: Inorganic, insoluble iron compound used to prevent iron deficiency in plants • Iron deficiency: When a plant does not have enough iron in its soil, and the plant begins to welt, eventually dying.
Continued Research • Magnetic field: Measure of the magnetic influence of magnetic materials. This is specified by direction and shape. • Iron’s effect on plants: • Necessary in chlorophyll development • Used in creating lectins: small toxic proteins in plants that defend the plant by fighting infection
Hypothesis • If the iron level in a plant is increased by adding Ferric Nitrate, along with increasing the zinc and copper levels, the plant will germinate and will become attracted to magnets due to an increased magnetic pull.
Variables • Independent Variable- Ferric Nitrate, Zinc Nitrate and Copper Nitrate Levels • Dependent Variable-The quantity of seeds germinated and the magnetic pull of the plants. • Controls- Plants without any added compounds • Constants-Amount of solution added to seeds, room temperature, number of seeds
Materials • 15 petri dishes, each with a coffee filter and 10 seeds • Ferric Nitrate • Zinc Nitrate • Copper Nitrate
Procedure • A total of 150 pea seeds were divided into 15 petri dishes, with ten seeds each. • Five solutions were created, with oxide levels of 0%, 10%, 25%, 50%, and 100%. The solutions were used on three petri dishes each. • The petri dishes were regularly checked on and dampened over the course of a week.
Continued Procedure • On Day 4 of the experiment, only the control (o%) petri dishes had germinated seeds, so the 25%, 50%, and 100% solutions and corresponding petri dishes were discarded in exchange for nine new petri dishes, and three new solutions, 1%, 2%, and 5%. • The petri dishes were consistently monitored, dampened, and checked for number of germinated seeds. • On Day 8, the seeds were tested for magnetic levels. No seeds showed any signs of magnetism.
Conclusion • Hypothesis was partially supported • Pea plants germinated in increased nitrate solutions • No signs of magnetism were detected • Germination became less probable with increased nitrate levels • One way to improve this experiment would be to test nitrate solutions with multiple seed types, or to increase the length of the experiment
Works Cited • Joergensen, Kenneth. “Fertilizer: Iron in plants, transpiration in plants, fertilizer nutrients.” All Experts. New York Times Company, 2012. Web. 30 Sept. 2011. <http://en.allexperts.com/q/Fertilizer-717/Iron-plants.htm>. • R., Aarti. “The Effect of Magnetism on Plant Growth.” Buzzle.com. Buzzle.com, 2011. Web. 30 Sept. 2011. <http://www.buzzle.com/articles/the-effect-of-magnetism-on-plant-growth.html>. • Rawe, Lynn. “Straight Talk About Iron Deficiency and Plants.” AgriLife Extension. Gardening, Etc., 2009. Web. 30 Sept. 2011. <http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/HomeHort/F1Column/2003Articles/MAY25.htm>. • "Plant Nutrients." North Carolina Department of Agriculture. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Mar. 2012. <http://www.ncagr.gov/cyber/kidswrld/plant/nutrient.htm>. • "Lectins." Battle for Health. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Mar. 2012. <http://www.battleforhealth.com/Battle_for_Health/Lectins.html>.
Thank You! ANY QUESTIONS?