Sei sulla pagina 1di 3

DISCUSSION Percent Germination and Germination Rate Water uptake by seeds is slowed down by elevated salinity levels, thus

inhibiting germination and root elongation (Uhvits, 1946). The imbibition of water leads to activation of metabolism as hydration breaks the dormancy of the seed (Katembe, et al., 1998). Accordingly, imbibition, similar to osmosis, involves the movement of water down a potential gradient (Hopkins & Huner, 2009). Thus, the water potential in soil (soil) must be greater than the water potential in the cells of the seed (cell), in order for water to move from the soil into the cells of the seed. Under ideal conditions (simulated by the use of distilled water), the water potential is equal to zero (0) (Taiz & Zeiger, 2006), thus enabling water to flow into the seed cells easily, thus, 90% germination rate was observed for distilled water. Accordingly, seeds typically possess extremely low water potential, even as low as -400MPa (McDonald, n.d.). Moreover, apart from the water potential, osmotic concentration played a role in the imbibition of water, since the concentration of hydrophilic substances is greater inside the cell than outside, thus, greater attraction for water exists inside the cell (McDonald, n.d.). As observed, the percent germination of C. pepo var. cylindrica became more reduced as the concentration of NaCl was increased. This decrease in percent germination is probably caused by reduced water uptake due to decrease in water potential gradient between the seeds and its surrounding environment (Katembe, et. al., 1998 [cf: Osmond, et al., 1980; Simon, 1984; Bewley and Black, 1994; Bradford, 1995]). Accordingly, the presence of NaCl, or ions for that matter, in the irrigation water leads to decreased water potential of soil and causes low soil osmotic potentials, resulting to the diminished tendency of water to enter the cell (Richardson & McCree, 1985). A continuous supply of water is needed in order to start and complete germination (Fuller & Ritchie, 1967). Water uptake is triphasic, wherein phase I involves the movement of water into the apoplast as a result of matric forces and their attraction for water molecules inside the seed; phase II consists of a lag phase in water uptake, but the seed undergoes several processes important for germination; and in phase III, there is increased water uptake due to root elongation (McDonald, n.d.). Moreover, during phases I and II, activation of enzymes needed for other processes important for germination occurs (McDonald, n.d.). Given that increased salinity levels decreases the rate of water uptake, enzyme activation is delayed along with seed metabolism, seed coat rupture, and root elongation. This explains the low germination percentage rates in the set-ups irrigated with 1M, 5M, 10M, and 15M NaCl. Percent Recovery

As observed, seeds which were unable geminate under 1M, 5M, and 10M NaCl were able to germinate after being exposed to distilled water. On the other hand, seeds exposed to 15M NaCl were no longer able to germinate even after exposure to distilled water. Apparently, the effects of increased NaCl concentrations may denote both osmotic and toxic effect (Katembe, et al., 1998). Quite possibly, since C. pepo var. cylindrica is moderately salt-tolerant, seeds exposed to 1M, 5M, and 10M NaCl were merely deprived of enough water supply in order to germinate; thus, when it was given ample amount of water via exposure to distilled water, they were able to germinate. However, the recovery was not 100% percent for the three concentrations. It was observed that the percent recovery was still decreasing with increasing NaCl concentrations. This decrease in recovery can be attributed to the toxic effect of NaCl. Accordingly, NaCl can easily traverse the cell membrane into the cytoplasm of the cells, which can lead to toxic accumulation of certain ions or decreased availability of essential nutrients (Katembe, et. al., 1998 [cf: Waisel, 1972; Levitt, 1972; Werner and Finkelstein, 1995]). Moreover, protein activity, such as that of enzymes, may change due to the presence of Na+ or Cl- ions in the cells, since ions may affect the structure of hydration water that surrounds the protein molecule (Waisel, 1972). As for the seeds that were exposed to 15M NaCl, the toxic accumulation of NaCl and the alteration of ptotein activity could have been extensive to the point that they were no longer viable, as evidenced by the 0% germination recovery. In contrast with this, the toxic effect of salinity could have been less extensive under conditions of lower salinity concentrations, thus, still allowing the seeds to germinate upon exposure to distilled water.

Works Cited
Fuller, H. J. & Ritchie, D. D., 1967. General Botany. New York: Barnes & Noble, Inc.. Hopkins, W. G. & Huner, N. P., 2009. Introduction to Plant Physiology. USA: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.. Katembe, W. J., Ungar, I. A. & Mitchell, J. P., 1998. Effect of Salinity on Germination and Seedling Growth of two Atriplex species (Chenopodiaceae). Annals of Botany, Volume 82, pp. 167-175. McDonald, M. B., n.d. Physiology of Seed Germination, Ohio: Seed Biology Program, Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, The Ohio State University. Richardson, S. G. & McCree, K. J., 1985. Carbon Balance and Water Relations of Sorghum Exposed to Salt and Water Stress. Plant Physiology, Volume 79, pp. 1015-1020. Taiz, L. & Zeiger, E., 2006. Plant Physiology. 4th ed. Massachussets: Sinauer Associates, Inc., Publishers.

Uhvits, R., 1946. Effect of osmotic pressure on water absorption and germination of alfalfa seeds. American Journal of Botany, Volume 33, pp. 278-284. Waisel, Y., 1972. Biology of Halophytes. New York: Academic Press.

Potrebbero piacerti anche