Potassium Nitrate Treatment Is Associated with Modulation of Seed Water Uptake, Antioxidative Metabolism and Phytohormone Levels of Pea Seedlings

Abstract

(1) Background: Seed treatment with potassium nitrate (KNO3) has been associated with dormancy breaking, improved germination and enhanced seedling growth and uniformity in a variety of plant species. However, the KNO3 effect seems to be dependent on plant species and treatment conditions. (2) Methods: We describe the effect of incubation of dry pea seeds with different KNO3 concentration on water uptake kinetic, early seedling growth, antioxidant metabolism and hormone profile in pea seedlings. (3) Results: Low (0.25 mM) KNO3 levels increased seedling water uptake and growth, whereas high (40 mM) levels decreased seedling growth. KNO3 treatment differentially affected the antioxidant defences. Low KNO3 levels maintained the activity of antioxidant enzymes, while high levels reduced the activity of H2O2-scavenging enzymes. KNO3 induced a progressive decline in ascorbate levels and reduced (GSH) and oxidised (GSSG) glutathione. Low KNO3 levels strongly increased GA1 and decreased ABA in both seedlings and cotyledons, resulting in a decline in the ABA/GAs ratio. (4) Conclusions: Pea seed treatment with a low KNO3 level promoted early seedling growth. In this process, an interaction among KNO3, antioxidant defences and ABA/GAs ratio is proposed.

Gibberellic Acid Enhances the Germination and Growth of Maize under Salinity Stress

“…Salinity lowers the soil's water potential, which has been associated with a decline in the RWC of leaves and a drop in photosynthesis [43]. Numerous plant groups' hydration status has been shown to be improved by exogenous chemical supplementation [47][48][49]. The study's findings revealed that RWC decreased as a result of the salt stress (Fig.…”

Potassium Nitrate and Ascorbic Acid Priming Improved Tissue Chemical Composition and Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) Sprouts

“…KNO 3 was observed by Demir and Mavi to be effective in improving germination of the seeds of watermelon. In this regard, KNO 3 induced gibberellic acid levels which stimulated starch hydrolysis by increasing amylase activity and induced high germination and seedling growth . Some enzymes involved in cell division, nucleic acid metabolism, and protein synthesis use potassium as a cofactor.…”

“…10 Priming with low KNO 3 levels also improved the antioxidant activity in pea seedling. 9 Besides, the utilization of KNO 3 as a priming agent has been found to yield the highest percentage of seed vigor and germination ratio in linseed species, suggesting that this technique is a promising approach for enhancing the overall quality and yield potential of Linum usitatissimum seeds. 11 The utilization of plant growth regulators, such as phytohormones, enhances the productivity of different crops by employing priming mechanisms.…”

Influence of various temperatures, seed priming treatments and durations on germination and growth of the medicinal plant Aspilia africana

“…Seed priming with KNO 3 is known to enhance germination, improve seedling growth, seedling vigor and drought tolerance through increased water imbibition, and activation of enzymes (amylases, xylanase, and dehydrogenases) and numerous ROS-scavenging antioxidants 32 . At the imbibition stage, seeds take up increased oxygen amount, resulting in accumulation of ROS shifting the redox state 49 . KNO 3 increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT, ascorbate oxidase (AOX), and peroxidase (POX) in seedlings 49 .…”

“…At the imbibition stage, seeds take up increased oxygen amount, resulting in accumulation of ROS shifting the redox state 49 . KNO 3 increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT, ascorbate oxidase (AOX), and peroxidase (POX) in seedlings 49 .…”