Research PaperComparative assessment for the effects of reactive species on seed germination, growth and metabolisms of vegetables

- H2O2 enhanced germination and growth in both of coriander and carrot.
- SNP promoted germination and growth in coriander but not in carrot.
- Metabolic changes were observed in germinated seeds treated with H2O2 or SNP.
- Effects of RONS on vegetables can be various depending on dose and plant species.

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) play an important role as signaling molecules in various biological pathways in plants. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of H2O2 (ROS) and nitric oxide (RNS) on seed germination, seedling growth and metabolism of two vegetables, coriander and carrot. Seed germination and seedling length of vegetables were significantly increased after treatment with H2O2 for 12 and 24 h. An optimal concentration of H2O2 giving maximum effect was 25-50 mM for both vegetables. The seed germination and seedling growth of coriander were significantly increased after treatment with 12.5 and 25 μM sodium nitroprusside (SNP; generating about 10-25 μM NO) for 12 and 24 h. On the other hand, SNP treated carrot seeds showed no significant difference in seed germination, compared to control. Amounts of total soluble proteins extracted from both vegetables at 72 h post-germination were significantly greater in treatment with 25 mM H2O2. Amounts of total soluble proteins were significantly increased in coriander seeds treated with SNP during germination but not in carrot. The α-amylase activity measured as the amount of reducing sugar was significantly increased in coriander and carrot after H2O2 treatment. Our results suggest that the effect of RONS on seed germination, growth and development, and seed metabolisms can be various depending on dose and plant species.