Effects of polyethylene glycol on seed germination of Cassia occidentalis / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective To simulate the solution drought stress conditions with polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 for study on the seed germination of Cassia occidentalis.Methods The seed of C.occidentalis was treated with 5% and 10% PEG 6000,respectively,then the germination rate,the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD),peroxidase (POD),and content of malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured.Results Compared with the same period of the control,soaking with 5% PEG 6000 for 5 h could increase the activity of SOD and POD,decrease the content of MDA.PEG Pretreatment could decrease free radical accumulation and make cell membrane system less damaged in the course of absorbing water in seed.Conclusion Soaking with 5% PEG 6000 for 5 h could increase the seed germination rate of C.occidentalis.