水盐胁迫对花花柴种子萌发的影响

 水盐胁迫直接影响盐生植物的种子萌发,本研究通过对盐生植物花花柴种子带冠毛与否及不同胁迫处理下种子萌发率的比较分析,探讨花花柴种子萌发期的耐盐特性。对花花柴带冠毛和不带冠毛种子在蒸馏水中的对比萌发结果表明,冠毛对花花柴种子的最终萌发率无影响,但明显延长种子的萌发时间,可能与阻碍种子吸水有关。花花柴种子经过冷处理,成熟的种子没有出现生理休眠现象,有利于种子在条件适宜时迅速起始萌发。采用不同浓度NaCl和等渗的PEG6000 (聚乙二醇) 处理花花柴种子,结果表明：①NaCl和PEG胁迫对花花柴种子的萌发具有非常明显的抑制作用,主要表现为降低种子的萌发率,延长种子的萌发时间,抑制胚根和胚芽的生长;②NaCl对花花柴种子萌发的抑制作用明显地大于等渗的PEG,说明离子胁迫是影响花花柴种子萌发的主要因素;③花花柴种子萌发的耐盐临界值为213 mM,极限值为340 mM;④低浓度的NaCl溶液（50 mM）不影响花花柴种子的萌发和胚芽的生长,表明花花柴种子适宜在低盐条件下萌发;⑤盐胁迫下未萌发种子的复水实验结果表明,高盐处理后未萌发的种子具有较高的复萌率,但各处理下种子最终萌发率没有显著差异,表明高盐能使种子休眠,但种子的活力仍能保持,有利于种群的维持。     

甜瓜种子萌发和幼苗生长对NaCl胁迫的响应

在盆栽条件下研究了NaCl胁迫对黄河蜜和白沙蜜甜瓜种子萌发和幼苗生长的影响。结果表明:NaCl胁迫对甜瓜种子吸水和累计发芽率影响较小,但明显延缓后期吸水和发芽进程。50 mmol·L-1以上NaCl浓度下,甜瓜种子相对发芽指数、相对活力指数和胚根生长量均下降。NaCl胁迫抑制甜瓜幼苗高度、株叶面积增长和干物质积累,抑制作用具有浓度和时间依赖性。NaCl胁迫对甜瓜幼苗形态生长的抑制作用强于对物质积累的抑制作用,对根系干物质积累的抑制作用高于对地上部干物质积累的抑制作用,对白沙蜜的抑制作用强于对黄河蜜的抑制作用。甜瓜种子和幼苗能适应的临界NaCl浓度在100~150 mmol·L-1之间,厚皮甜瓜可能更适合作为咸水灌溉和盐碱地生产的经济作物。     

Comparative study of seed germination and growth of Kochia prostrata and Kochia scoparia (Chenopodiaceae) under salinity

Soils of arid regions of Central Asia contain salts of different types that may differentially affect seed germination and plant development. We studied effect of NaCl, Na₂SO₄, 2NaCl + KCl + CaCl₂ and 2Na₂SO₄+K₂SO₄+MgSO₄ on germination of Kochia prostrata and Kochia scoparia seeds under a range of concentrations from 0.5 to 5% and at two constant temperature regimes +22 °C and +6 °C. The observed salt tolerance limit of germination at constant temperature +22 °C for both species was 5-6%, while at low temperature (+6 °C) this limit was 2%. The salt tolerance of young plants (before flowering) was 3% for NaCl. Low concentrations of sulfuric and mixed salts had a stimulating effect on seed germination in K. prostrata. Despite similarity of salt-tolerance limits the studied species showed a significant difference in seed recovery ability, i.e. the ability of ungerminated, salt-soaked seeds to germinate after transfer to fresh water. K. scoparia demonstrated a full germination recovery after seed transfer to distilled water while K. prostrata showed only a partial recovery.     

Involvement of anti-oxidative enzymes, photosynthetic pigments and flavonoid metabolism in the adaptation of Reaumuria soongorica to salt stress

Reaumuria soongorica is a short woody shrub widely found in semi-arid areas of China. It can survive severe environ- mental stress including high salinity in its natural habitat. Thus, we investigated the involvement of anti-oxidative enzymes, photosynthetic pigments and flavonoid metabolism in the adaptation of R. soongorica to saline environments. R. soon- gorica was treated with 0, 100, 200 and 400 mM NaC1 solutions for 14 days. Soil salt content increased significantly by watering with high content of NaC1 solution, and no variation between 8 and 14 days during treatment. The levels ofpe- roxidation of lipid membranes （measured by malondialdehyde content） and the activities of three antioxidant enzymes （superoxide dismutase （SOD）, peroxidase （POD） and ascorbate peroxidase （APX）） increased under salt stress. Chlorophyll and carotenoid content decreased with increasing salt content. The ratio of Chl a/Chl b and carotenoid/Chl exhibited sig- nificant increase under 400 mM NaC1. However, total flavonoid and anthocyanin contents and key enzyme activities in the flavonoid pathway including phenylalanine ammonialyase （PAL） and Chalcone isomerase （CHI） decreased under salt stress. These findings possibly suggest that R. soongorica has an adaptation protection mechanism against salt-induced oxidative damage by inducin~ the activity of antioxidant enzymes and maintaining a steady level of carotenoid/Chl.     

Responses to salt stress in the halophyte Plantago crassifolia (Plantaginaceae)

General responses to salt stress have been investigated in the halophyte Plantago crassifolia. Seed germination was strongly inhibited by NaCl, although seed viability and germination capacity were not affected by salt pre-treatments. A concentration-dependent inhibition of plant growth was observed in the presence of NaCl, which was accompanied by the accumulation of Na⁺ ions in the leaves, as determined by cation exchange HPLC. A 20-fold increase of proline content in leaves was observed when plants were treated with 500 m NaCl, suggesting a protective role against high salinity stress for this amino acid, whose possible mechanism of action is discussed.     

盐生植物萌发期对盐胁迫和干旱胁迫的适应研究进展

目前我国盐渍土地面积较大,尤其是青藏高原的盐渍地,常伴有干旱、半干旱的生境,导致植物不易生长,生态环境日渐恶劣,这种生态现状亟待解决。盐生植物具有一定的耐盐性和耐旱性,是改善盐渍地的首选植物,种子的活力决定了种子萌发的情况,多数学者为改善严峻的生态环境开始了盐生植物引种的研究。测定种子活力有直接方法和间接方法,大多数学者采用的是直接方法,即在实验室模拟一定条件直接测定萌发率。本文简述了盐生植物的概况、制造胁迫的主要方法以及检测种子活力的指标,综述了近年来各位学者对盐爪爪、白刺等具有代表性的22种盐生植物在种子萌发期的耐盐性以及抗旱性的相关研究,为改善盐渍地的生态环境、提升盐渍地的生产量提供了理论依据。     

盐胁迫对红砂(Reaumuria soongorica)种子吸胀过程中生理特性的影响

以0%、0.5%、1.0%、1.5%、2.0%、2.5%、3.0%的NaCl和CaCl2溶液处理红砂(Reaumuria soongorica)种子,探讨了两种盐胁迫对种子吸胀过程中生理特性的影响及对种子的伤害程度。结果表明:红砂种子发芽率随两种盐胁迫的加剧极显著下降。种子丙二醛(MDA)含量在NaCl溶液胁迫后先下降后上升,在盐溶液浓度为1.0%时达到最小值,在2.5%处达到最大值;经不同浓度的CaCl2溶液胁迫后,MDA含量呈上升趋势,且均高于对照,最大值出现在3.0%处;种子内可溶性糖含量随NaCl和CaCl2溶液浓度的增大先下降后上升,分别在盐溶液浓度为1.0%和2.0%时达到最小值;种子过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性的变化较小;过氧化物酶(POD)活性随两种盐浓度的增加显著降低;超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)的活性随两种盐溶液浓度的增加先下降再上升又下降,但总体低于对照。经综合分析得出,CaCl2对红砂种子的伤害程度大于NaCl。     

盐胁迫对西葫芦和黄瓜种子萌发影响的对比研究

用不同浓度的地下盐水胁迫西葫芦和黄瓜种子萌发，观察其发芽率和萌发后幼苗生长情况，计算其发芽指数和活力指数，进行了对比分析。结果表明：西葫芦种子萌发对盐水生境的适应性比黄瓜强，西葫芦种子萌发的盐胁迫适宜值为０．６１ｇ／１００ｃｍ３，而黄瓜为０．３６ｇ／１００ｃｍ３。     

Germination responses of Medicago ruthenica seeds to salinity,alkalinity, and temperature

To determine the effects of and the interactions between salinity and temperature, and alkalinity and temperature, we conducted three germination tests of Medicago ruthenica (L.) Sojak cv. ‘Zhilixing’ seeds in growth chambers. In experiment 1, the seeds were placed at a range of temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, or 40 °C), and in experiments 2 and 3, we varied the salinity (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, or 250 mM NaCl) and alkalinity (1, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 mM Na₂CO₃), respectively, within three ranges of alternating temperatures (10–20, 15–25, and 20–30 °C). The seeds of M. ruthenica (L.) Sojak cv. ‘Zhilixing’ showed high percentage germination at all temperatures, except for 5 °C. Seeds germinated well at low NaCl and Na₂CO₃ concentrations under all three alternating temperature regimes. Approximately half the seeds germinated at high salinity and alkalinity at 15–25 °C, whereas the ungerminated seeds germinated when the high-saline and alkaline stresses were removed. These results suggest that M. ruthenica (L.) Sojak cv. ‘Zhilixing’ has potential utility as a forage legume in saline and alkaline environments.     

盐生植物萌发期对盐胁迫的适应研究进展

目前我国盐溃土地面积较大,尤其是青藏高原的盐溃地,常伴有干旱、半干旱的生境,导致植物不易生长,生态环境相对恶劣,这种生态现状亟待解决.盐生植物具有一定的耐盐性和耐旱性,是改善盐渍地的首选植物,种子的活力决定了种子萌发的情况,多数学者为改善严峻的生态环境开始了盐生植物引种的研究.测定种子活力有直接方法和间接方法,大多数学...     

Passage time, viability, and germination of seeds ingested by foxes

Seed passage through the gut of vertebrates is critical for endozoochorus seed dispersal because it may influence seed viability and germination capacity. Foxes are important fruit-eaters and presumed seed dispersers in the Chaco ecoregion. We experimentally assessed the seed passage time (SPT) and its effect on seed viability and germination in two fox species (Pseudalopex gymnocercus and Cerdocyon thous) that occur in the Chaco. Passage time was measured using both artificial seeds of three sizes and wild seeds of four native fleshy-fruit species commonly consumed by foxes (Ziziphus mistol, Acacia aroma, Celtis tala, and Syagrus romanzoffiana). The average SPT was 6.8 h for the Pampa fox and 7.7 h for the crab-eating fox. Passage time did not differ either among seeds of different sizes or between fox species. Passage through digestive tract of both fox species did not affect seed survival, whereas germination rate was slightly improved. Our data suggest that both fox species are legitimate seed dispersers of the four species studied, having a positive effect on both germination rate and dispersal distance from the parent plant.     

Factors influencing seed germination of Cyperus capitatus, inhabiting the moving sand dunes in southern Europe

Cyperus capitatus Vandelli (Cyperaceae) is distributed in coastal sandy habitats and mobile dunes of south Europe. Its seed germination ecology is not known, despite its potential to be used in re-vegetation projects. Laboratory experiments were conduced to assess the effects of salinity, light regime, cold stratification and burial on seed germination of this species. Overall, increasing salinity delayed germination, increased seed dormancy and mean time to germination (MTG), and reduced final germination percentage, inhibiting it completely above 1% of salinity; although it did not affect seed viability. C. capitatus seeds exhibited their greatest germination at levels between 0 and 1% in non-stratified seeds, and between 0 and 0.5% for stratified seeds. Thus, the effect of salt was greater for stratified seeds at 5 °C. Germination in light/darkness conditions was similar to that in full darkness. Finally, burial in sand of C. capitatus seeds appeared to have a significant effect on cumulative percentage of germination. Seeds buried at depths greater than 2 and 3 cm showed a lower germination success than those on sand surface or buried at shallower depths. Burial also affected the beginning and speed of seed germination.     

Germination of Callitris seeds in relation to temperature, water stress, priming, and hydration–dehydration cycles

The effects of temperature, water stress, hydration–dehydration cycles and seed priming on the germination of Callitris verrucosa and Callitris preissii, two Australian semi-arid coniferous tree species, were investigated. Optimum germination occurred at 18°C, with a minimum germination time of 8–9 days for both species. At this temperature, germination was inhibited at osmotic potentials lower than −1·0 MPa, but the capacity to germinate at low osmotic stress increased as the temperature decreased. Seed priming and hydration–dehydration cycles did not reduce seed viability, and Callitris seeds appear to retain the physiological changes induced by short-term hydration, as the time to the onset of germination was decreased to about 3 days. The capacity of Callitris seeds for incremental germination is likely to increase overall germination success in a low rainfall environment.     

Salinity tolerance in Schinopsis quebracho colorado: Seed germination, growth, ion relations and metabolic responses

Soil salinity is a major abiotic stress influencing plant productivity worldwide. Schinopsis quebracho colorado is one of the most important woody species in the Gran Chaco, an arid and salt-prone subtropical biome of South America. To gain a better understanding of the physiological mechanisms that allow plant establishment under salt conditions, germination and seedling growth of S. quebracho colorado were examined under treatment with a range of NaCl solutions (germination: 0–300 mmol l⁻¹ NaCl; seedling growth: 0–200 mmol l⁻¹ NaCl). The aim was to test the hypothesis that S. quebracho colorado is a glycophite that shows different salt tolerance responses with development stage. Proline content, total soluble carbohydrates and Na⁺, K⁺ and Cl⁻ concentrations in leaves and roots of seedlings, and the chlorophyll concentration and relative water content of leaves were measured. Germination was not affected by 100 mmol l⁻¹ NaCl, but decreased at a concentration of 200 mmol l⁻¹. At 300 mmol l⁻¹ NaCl, germination did not occur. Seedling growth decreased drastically with increasing salinity. An increase in NaCl from 0 to 100 mmol l⁻¹ also significantly reduced the leaf relative water content by 22% and increased the proline concentration by 60% in roots. In contrast, total soluble carbohydrates were not significantly affected by salinity. Seedlings showed a sodium exclusion capacity, and there was an inverse correlation between Cl⁻ concentration and the total chlorophyll concentration. S. quebracho colorado was more tolerant to salinity during germination than in the seedling phase. The results suggest that this increased tolerance during germination might, in part, be the result of lower sensitivity to high tissue Na⁺ concentrations. The significant increment of proline in the roots suggests the positive role of this amino acid as a compatible solute in balancing the accumulation of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ as a result of salinity. These results help clarify the physiological mechanisms that allow establishment of S. quebracho colorado on salt-affected soils in arid and semi-arid Gran Chaco.     

Salinity-induced growth and some metabolic changes in three Salsola species

Three Salsola species, Salsola dendroides Pall., S. richteri (Moq.) Karel ex Litw. and S. orientalis S.C. Gmel., were compared for their salt tolerance, inorganic ionic accumulation and their biomass production in saline conditions. Seeds were grown on sterilized quartz under five salinity levels in a factorial experimental design, with four replications, in greenhouse conditions.With salinity, Na⁺ accumulation increased while K⁺ accumulation decreased. All three species showed positive shoot growth for low levels of salinity. Root growth showed almost the same trend as shoot growth, with minor exceptions. At low levels of salinity, proline accumulated more in S. dendroides plant tissues than in the tissues of the other two species. These results suggest that the proline accumulation is a good index for salinity tolerance. Soluble sugars also increased as a result of salinity.     

Seed germination of five Helianthemum species: Effect of temperature and presowing treatments

The germination behaviour of five Helianthemum species (H. almeriense, H. appeninum, H. cinereum, H. hirtum, H. squamatum) has been studied under controlled conditions. Constant 15, 20 or 25 °C and alternating 25/15 °C temperature regimes and 16/8 h light/dark photoperiod conditions were used. Presowing treatments applied were manual scarification, boiling water, hot water, dry heat and sulphuric acid. Germination values recorded were final germination percentage and germination rate expressed as days to reach 50% of the final germination percentage (T₅₀). Incubation temperature had no significant effect on final germination percentage for untreated seeds of the five Helianthemum species. However, variation due to temperature was significant for scarified seeds, with the lowest germination percentage attained at 25 °C. In all Helianthemum species studied, the highest germination percentages were obtained by manual scarification of seeds. Germination rate of scarified seeds decreased as germination temperature increased. The different presowing treatments investigated allowed some germination in some species, but none were any better than manual scarification. The high germination among most species studied, following mechanical rupture of the seed coat, shows that the mechanism of dormancy lies in the seed coat. The physical dormancy caused by impermeable seed-coat appears to be the main reason of poor germination of untreated seeds of Helianthemum species studied.     

沙柳有性繁殖与关键环境因素的关系研究

沙柳种子的萌发受到多个因素的综合作用。在沙土含水量较低时沙柳种子可以萌发,但沙土含水量低于2%时不能萌发;干旱胁迫使沙柳实生苗发芽率降低;盐分可明显抑制沙柳种子萌发,同时抑制沙柳实生苗的茎生长;沙柳种子适宜的覆沙厚度是1.0～4.0 mm,当覆沙达到7 mm时种子出苗受到抑制;沙柳最适宜的发芽温度是25 ℃,当温度升到40 ℃时发芽率明显下降,而当降到10 ℃时种子发芽率也明显下降,达到5 ℃时沙柳种子尽管能发芽,但无茎生长。     

Reproductive and recruitment traits as indicators of the invasive potential of Kalanchoe daigremontiana (Crassulaceae) and Stapelia gigantea (Apocynaceae) in a Neotropical arid zone

Populations of two ornamental exotic species, Kalanchoe daigremontiana and Stapelia gigantea, have been recently detected inside a protected area containing arid ecosystems in Venezuela. We indirectly tested their invasive potential by characterizing their reproductive biology and recruitment patterns and comparing our estimates against Baker's Law and reproductive profiles reported for invasive plants. K. daigremontiana is autogamous, produces >16,000 seeds per plant and also reproduces clonally. Despite low seed viability (17.9%) and germination rates (11.9%), seeds were present in the seed bank. Plantlets of asexual origin showed high survival (75–100%) compared to seedlings of sexual origin (10%). S. gigantea is self-incompatible, xenogamous and produces close to 1500 seeds per m² of plant tissue. Seed viability (77%) and germination rates (62%) were high, but this species is not represented in the seed bank. It has a vegetative growth. A combination of reproductive and recruitment attributes, which match those considered in Baker's Law and others reported for invasive plants, confer K. daigremontiana and S. gigantea the potential to invade Neotropical arid zones; the former mainly through selfing and production of numerous asexual plantlets, and the latter through an association with a locally abundant pollinator and production of wind dispersed seeds.     

Growth, ionic and osmotic relations of an Allenrolfea occidentalis population in an inland salt playa of the Great Basin Desert

Variation in growth, physiology and ionic relations patterns of Allenrolfea occidentalis, a perennial halophyte of dry habitats, was studied under field conditions from May 1996 to November 1997. An A. occidentalis community has a characteristic soil pH of 7·3–8·3. During the two years, the population was exposed to great variations in soil salinity, from 29 to 146 dS m⁻¹, and soil moisture, ranging from drought (9·2%) to wet (19%). The salt concentrations were significantly higher in the surface soil layers than in the subsurface layers. Seasonal changes in dry weight are directly related to soil salinity stress. Allenrolfea occidentalis had greater growth and biomass production under saline conditions. Na⁺and Cl⁻ions were accumulated in plant tissues in much greater amounts than K⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺. Soil salinities were significantly reduced at the end of the growing season. Water potentials of the shoots decreased significantly with increasing salinity. The plant (F_v/F_mratio) was more affected by salinity and irradiation levels during the summer period.     

Pre- and post-dispersal seed loss and soil seed dynamics of the dominant Bulnesia retama (Zygophyllaceae) shrub in a sandy Monte desert of western Argentina

In deserts and semi-deserts dominant plants seldom rely on a persistent seed bank to ensure their recruitment from sexual reproduction, which is generally based on the seeds produced in the last reproductive event. We studied pre- and post-dispersal seed loss of Bulnesia retama, a dominant shrub of the sandy Monte deserts (western Argentina). We hypothesised that pre- and post-dispersal seed depletion in B. retama regulate soil seed density and in turn decrease soil seed reserves. We also hypothesised that spatial patches induced by standing vegetation and other microsites additionally affect post-dispersal seed loss and soil seed density.We observed that as much as half the total seed production was lost due to pre-dispersal seed predation. Seed dispersal plus predation showed a negative exponential function with 61% of seeds falling during the first 28 days, and 99% after 90 days, when 34% of the seeds remained inside excluded branches. A significant patch effect was observed on soil seed density and seed dynamics, with a greater number of seeds and increased seed depletion rates below B. retama shrubs. However, spatial patches did not affect seed germination although they increased with burial time, from 22% to 70% after 75 and 276 days, respectively. Likewise, a similar trend was found in potential seed germination; seeds collected directly from mother plants had a low germination rate (less than 25%), which increased to 75% after 276 days of soil burial. About 15% of the dispersed seeds should persist to the next rainy season, thus contributing to a low-density but persistent seed bank.The delay in seed germination and temporal decrease in soil seed density that we observed for B. retama suggest that a set of mechanisms have been developed promoting germination events whenever soil water is available, at any moment of the year.