PJB-2023-1546
Effect of temperatures and salinity on seed germination rate of rosary pea from Mount Vifa of Saudi Arabia
Fahad M. Alzuaibr
Abstract
Abrus precatorius L. is a valuable herbaceous medicinal plant with a wide range of therapeutic properties. The present study aims to investigate some of the biological characteristics of Abrus precatorius in Saudi Arabia by studying its germination potential and shortening of its dormancy period at constant and varied temperature regimes under control and salt conditions. Seeds were collected from a wide thermal range of continuous and changing temperature systems and tested for their response to heat and salinity. Preliminary experiments have revealed that seeds could not germinate unless they were treated with H2SO4 to break dormancy. According to the findings, cock-eye seeds germinated much better in variable and constant temperature systems (25, 25/15, 30/20, 35/25°C). The germination rate was 98% at 35°C. It dropped to 26% at 5°C, MDG was zero seed/day, and T50 was not obtained. After 20 days at 15°C. However, seedlings did not develop at low variable and constant temperatures (5, 15/5°C). The seeds of Abrus precatorius were observed to be resistant up to 400 mM NaCl. Salinity substantially affected the germination of A. precatorius seeds compared to the control (0 mM NaCl). With 200, 400 and 600 mM NaCl, the germination rate reduced by approximately 60 to 90 and 100%, respectively, compared to the control. This study will provide baseline data and help revive endangered species like A. precatorius plants and their critical adaptation for preserving Saudi Arabia's biodiversity and survival in highly salinized environments
To Cite this article:
Alzuaibr, F.M. 2023. Effect of temperatures and salinity on seed germination rate of rosary pea from Mount Vifa of Saudi Arabia. Pak. J. Bot., 55(SI): DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30848/PJB2023-SI(9)
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