Effect of exogenous nitric oxide on seed germination of Oldenlandia diffusa under drought stress / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective: To explore the effect of exogenous nitric oxide (NO) on seed germination of Oldenlandia diffusa under drought stress and to determine the optimal concentration of sodium nitroprusside (SNP, exterior nitric oxide donor) for alleviating the drought stress. Methods: Using 15% PEG6000 to imitate drought stress, the germination potential, germination rate, germination index, and vigor index of O. diffusa seeds were measured by the treatment of SNP at different concentration. Results: The germination process of O. diffusa seeds was significantly suppressed by drought stress. SNP could significantly promote the germination of O. diffusa seeds under drought stress. SNP (0.3 mmol/L) increased the germination rate and germination potential by 2.78- and 7.77-folds, respectively. In the case of germination index and vigor index, SNP (0.1 and 0.3 mmol/L ) showed the maximum positive impact and there was no significant difference between the two SNP concentration treatments. Conclusion: SNP could alleviate the negative influence of drought stress on the germination process of O. diffusa seeds and improve the drought-resistant activity. Among all the treatments, the concentration of SNP at 0.3 mmol/L leads to the maximum germination rate.