Tolerance of crambe (Crambe abyssinica Hochst) to salinity and water stress during seed germination and initial seedling growth

Abstract

Crambe is an oilseed plant whose oil is suitable for various industrial purposes, such as production of biodiesel, plastics, rubbers, and cosmetics. There are reports of the rusticity of this species and its potential for growth in arid and semi-arid environments, where water scarcity and soil salinity are common. However, studies regarding the tolerance of its seeds to these stresses and the physiological responses triggered during germination and seedling establishment under these conditions are incipient. The objective of this study was to evaluate the tolerance of crambe seeds to water deficit and salt stress during germination and early seedling development, as well as to investigate the role of antioxidant enzymes on tolerance to these conditions. The seeds were exposed to water and salt stresses and their performance was analyzed. Seed water content, imbibition rate, percentage and speed of germination, and the base water potential for seed germination were evaluated. In the seedlings, the following measurements were made: root and shoot length, fresh and dry matter of roots and shoots, moisture content, and activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POX). Water deficit and salt stress reduce the water uptake rate of the seeds, the germination and growth of seedlings. The crambe seeds had higher tolerance to salt stress than to water deficit. Absorption of salt and the action of the SOD and CAT antioxidant enzymes are part of the tolerance mechanisms of crambe seeds to salt stress.

Physiological quality of seeds and growth of seedlings of chickpea under salt stress

“…It was also observed that at the potentials -0.4 and -0.6 MPa, the germination of cultivars was similar. The reduction in seed germination provided by the decrease in osmotic potential induced by NaCl may be the result of the osmotic and or ionic effect that hinders the absorption of water by the seeds or facilitates the penetration of ions into the cells (Silva et al, 2019). As a result, a high concentration of salts in cells can also deactivate enzymes and inhibit protein synthesis (Nasr et al, 2011;Taiz & Zeiger, 2013).…”

Assessment of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Crambe spp. during vegetation

“…Fr.) Prina wide is used as an oil plant, the seeds of which contain approximately 40% oil (Silva et al, 2019). In addition, the seed oil of this plant contains erucic acid, which has the potential for use in industry (Li et al, 2012).…”

Does the substrate affect the germination of soybean seeds treated with phytosanitary products?

“…As with production of many other crops, soybean production can also be affected by different stresses. Among abiotic stresses, there is water deficit and salinity, and among biotic stresses, there are occurrences of diseases, pests and nematodes that can negatively affect germination, emergence and seedling establishment and, consequently, damage stand and crop productivity (Bradley, 2008;Silva et al, 2019).…”