Physiological changes in Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth. seeds from different sources and submitted to abiotic stresses

Daniel V. Silva,Eduardo C. Sousa,Danielle M. M. Sousa,Renata R. T. Oliveira,Salvador B. Torres

doi:10.1590/1807-1929/agriambi.v22n6p383-389

Daniel V. Silva, Eduardo C. Sousa

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1807-1929/agriambi.v22n6p383-389

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Abstract

ABSTRACT Seed germination of species that develop in arid and semi-arid soils can be altered by water deficit and abundance of salts in the soil. Knowledge on tolerance limits is fundamental to understand the adaptive capacity of species under such conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological changes (germination and vigor) of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia seeds from different regions and submitted to water and saline stresses. To simulate water stress, the osmotic agent polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) was adjusted to the potentials of 0, -0.2, -0.4, -0.6 and -0.8 MPa, whereas for the saline stress, NaCl solutions were adjusted to the potentials of 0, -0.1, -0.3, -0.5, -0.7; -0.9 and -1.1 MPa. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 3 x 5 factorial scheme for water stress and 3 x 7 factorial scheme for saline stress, with four replicates of 25 seeds. The variables analysed were: germination, germination speed index and seedling shoot length, root length, shoot dry matter and root dry matter. M. caesalpiniifolia seeds, coming from different geographic regions, showed similar physiological responses to water stress; with respect to salt stress, their tolerance varies according to the region of harvest, and those from Vazante, MG, Brazil were more tolerant during germination and initial growth of seedlings.

Highlights

Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth., popularly known as ‘sabiá’, belonging to the Fabaceae family, is a forest species native to the Catinga biome (Lorenzi, 2008)
Considering the water restriction and abundance of saline soils, characteristics inherent to arid and semi-arid regions such as the Caatinga biome, this study aimed to evaluate physiological alterations of M. caesalpiniifolia seeds from different regions subjected to water and saline stresses
When Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used to simulate the stress, the germination of seeds from different regions of collection decreased as the osmotic potential decreased, and there was no germination at -0.8 MPa (Figure 1A)

Summary

Introduction

Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth., popularly known as ‘sabiá’, belonging to the Fabaceae family, is a forest species native to the Catinga biome (Lorenzi, 2008). Seeds of species that develop in soils of arid and semi-arid regions commonly find inadequate conditions for germination, as in the case of saline soils or soils with water deficit, abundant in these regions (Guedes et al, 2013). In this context, studies related to the germinative response of seeds subjected to conditions of artificial stresses constitute tools for a better understanding on the capacity of survival and adaptation of these species under conditions of natural stresses (Pereira et al, 2012). By studying different sites of origin, it is possible to capture various expressions of the genotype, allowed by the adequate environmental conditions (Botezelli, 2000)

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