Osmotic and specific ion effects on the germination of alfalfa

Abstract

Inhibition of seed germination in alfalfa varieties Rambler, Roamer, and Beaver by iso-osmotic potentials of different substrates varied widely. Sodium and potassium sulfate and sodium chloride were most inhibitory. Chlorides of potassium and magnesium and magnesium sulfate were least effective; mannitol and polyethylene glycol were intermediate. Ion toxicity was determined by measuring germination recovery after treatment with solutions containing equivalent weights of salt. No salts were toxic at 25 meq/liter. Sodium sulfate and magnesium chloride appeared highly toxic at 200 meq/liter; other salts were less toxic, with sodium chloride showing the least effect of all. All salts were highly toxic at 400 meq/liter. Germination recovery after treatment with polyethylene glycol and mannitol was good, clearly distinguishing osmotic and specific ion effects. Variety Beaver was the most tolerant of both the osmotic and toxic effects of salt.