Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment

Effect of seed priming with PEG-6000 on the resistance of Amorpha fruticosa L. seeds to lead stress

Author(s):

Furong Zhou, Jinxin Wang *

Recieved Date: 2013-05-30, Accepted Date: 2013-09-10

Abstract:

Lead is one of the most frequently encountered heavy metals in polluted environment, and it can induce the inhibitory effects on seed germination and seedling growth. PEG is a non-penetrating inert osmoticum, many investigations found that priming with PEG could increase the germination, chilling and salt tolerance of seedlings. In order to determine whether priming with polyethylene glycol (PEG) could increase the resistance to lead stress, seeds of Amorpha fruticosa were primed by soaking in solutions containing 0, 10, 20, or 30% (w/v) PEG-6000, and half of them were re-dried. The seeds of pretreatment were then germinated on filter paper moistened with solutions containing 0, 300, 500, or 1000 mg/L Pb. Results revealed that lead concentrations ≥500 mg/L delayed mean germination time and decreased germination of A. fruticosa. Lead stress had greater inhibitory effect on root growth than on germination, and root growth was more sensitive than shoot growth to lead stress. Priming with PEG could increase the resistance of A. fruticosa to lead stress. Seeds primed in PEG-6000 but not re-dried showed shorter mean germination time, higher germination, and seedlings growth index, dehydration meant the decrease of PEG priming effect in some instances. Seeds primed in 10% PEG-6000 had the highest germination rates when lead concentrations were ≤500 mg/L, while primed in 20% PEG-6000 had the highest germination when lead concentrations were 1000 mg/ L. Root length, shoot length, and fresh weight of A. fruticosa seedlings were greatest in the 20% PEG-6000 treatment. Lead reduced the fresh weight of A. fruticosa seedlings regardless of the PEG pretreatment.

Keywords:

Polyethylene glycol, seed treatment, germination, Amorpha fruticosa

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Journal: Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment
Year: 2013
Volume: 11
Issue: 3&4
Category: Environment
Pages: 2245-2248

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