Nitric oxide-releasing effect in the physiological quality of seeds of cabbage under salt stress

ABSTRACT

Studies with Brassica sp. demonstrate that salt stress affects the seed physiological quality and vigor. Thus the search for substances that minimize the effects caused by salt stress during germination are of great importance. The aim of this study was to verify the action of nitric oxide-releasing substances during germination of cabbage grown under salt stress. The seeds were pre-soaked in solutions of potassium nitrate (KNO₃) and sodium nitroprussiato (SNP) at concentrations of zero, 0.01, 0.10, 1.00 and 10.00 mmol L^-1 for 30 minutes. Then the seeds were germinated in Petri dishes lined with moistened paper germitest with NaCl solution at potentials of 0.0, -0.6 and -1.2 MPa, evaluated the germination and seedling development. There was no germination in osmotic potential of -1.2 MPa. The potential of -0.6 MPa reduced germination and seedling growth of cabbage. The results suggest that there was positive action of KNO₃ and SNP at 0.01 mmol L^-1, reversing the stress caused by salinity (-0.6 MPa of NaCl).

Key words:
Brassica oleracea L.; sodium nitroprusside; potassium nitrate