EFFECT OF CARBONATES ON SEED GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH IN PORTULACA OLERACEA L.

Abstract

One of the most important stresses is alkali stress that effects plants growth and metabolism. The effect of carbonates (NaHCO3, KHCO3 and (NH4)2CO3) on seed germination and seedling growth in Portulaca oleracea L. was investigated. Germination percentage was decrease with increasing concentration of salts. Root length and dry weight were strongly reduced due to carbonate salts. Shoot length and fresh weight were slightly increased at lower concentration (25mM) of salts and then decreased at higher concentrations (50, 100, and 200mM). From the results, it appears that P. oleracea L. is rather sensitive to carbonate salts during germination and seedling growth.