Comparison of the effects of bioactive compounds and hydration treatments on germination and cell cycle activity of sugar-beet seeds

Abstract

Summary Seeds of two sugar-beet cultivars, differing in vigour, were exposed to hydration in water and soaking in two bioactive compounds. Cell cycle activity and laboratory germination capacity were determined under standard conditions after four and seven days. Two parameters were used to estimate vigour of the seeds: seedling length vigour index (percentage of seeds with radicle/hypocotyl axis over 15 mm long after 96 hours at 20°C) and germination capacity after six days at 10°C. The G 2 /G 1 ratio increased in all samples after hydration treatment and, in some cases, after bioactive compound treatment. These treatments also improved vigour of the seeds; however, application of bioactive compounds did not result in any advantage over hydration in water. Experimental and discussion Algal extracts are biological material which may be useful for controlling seed germination. Some algal products are already commercially used as a soil or foliar fertilizer to improve vigour, yield and health of crops (Wysocka-Owczarek, 1997). For example, when added to a growth substrate, they maintain its humidity and promote germination of some tropical plant species (Vazquez