Pre-germination hydration affects seed performance in bambara groundnut

Modi, A.T. (2013) Pre-germination hydration affects seed performance in bambara groundnut. Scientific Research and Essays, 8 (21). pp. 940-945.

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Abstract

In a study to determine the response of local bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) germplasm to seed enhancement, seeds were subjected to hydration (12, 75 and 93% RH) to influence pre-germination water activity (aw) and subsequent germination and seedling establishment. This study also reports on seedling characteristics 28 days after sowing under a controlled environment at 75% field capacity. There were highly significant (P < 0.01) differences between hydration treatments. The low RH resulted in aw ranging from 0.06, 1 h after suspension to 0.39, 72 h after suspension, whereas the 93% RH resulted in aw ranging from 0.2, 1 h after suspension to 0.68, 72 h later. Subjecting seeds to pre-germination hydration caused a significantly improved seed imbibition (P < 0.05) (up to 40%), germination (35%) (P < 0.05) and seedling establishment (P < 0.05) (as indicated by seedling size and utilization of seed storage tissue). It is concluded that the delay in seedling establishment due to lack of pre-germination hydration or low RH (12%) is linked to the observed collapse of seedling leaf stomata. Hence, the findings of this study have a bearing on drought tolerance.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: Water Research Commission of South Africa, Project No. K5 /1771//4. Water Use of Drought Tolerant Crops. WRC Knowledge Review 2008-09.
Uncontrolled Keywords: Hydration, germination, seed, water activity.
Author Affiliation: School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
Subjects: Crop Improvement
Divisions: Groundnut
Depositing User: Mr Balakrishna Garadasu
Date Deposited: 25 Jun 2013 13:29
Last Modified: 25 Jun 2013 13:29
Official URL: http://www.academicjournals.org/sre/abstracts/abst...
URI: http://eprints.icrisat.ac.in/id/eprint/10763

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