The effects of liquid phase ozonation on seed dormant alleviation and subsequent seedling growth were studied using two plant seeds of Indian jointvetch (Aeschynomene indica L.) and Indian mallow (Abutilon avicennae Gaertn.). At a constant ozone concentration (80 g/m³), contact time varied from 10 to 60 min with 10 min interval. Germination rate, root length, and specific root length were compared after 3-day incubation on gel-medium. The germination rate increased significantly (p<0.05) in the 50 min treatment of Indian mallow by 30% compared to the control. Enhanced root elongation was observed in the seeds of 30 min treatment of Indian jointvetch and 30~50 min treatment of Indian mallow. Specific root length, an indicator of environmental change, did not show significant changes, suggesting the level of ozone treatment has no adverse effect on seedling development. The results indicate that liquid phase seed ozonation can be an effective on-site germination alleviation method in the application of phytoremediation. 

Keywords: Gelling agent, Germination, Ozone, Root elongation, SmartRoot, Specific root length