The effects of methanesulfonic acid on seed germination and morphophysiological changes in the seedlings of two Colobanthus species

Abstract

The effect of methanesulfonic acid (MSA) on the morphophysiology and biochemistry of the subantarctic species <em>Colobanthus apetalus</em> and the Antarctic species <em>Colobanthus quitensis</em> was examined. We evaluated the effects of various concentrations of MSA on the germination capacity and germination rate of seeds, seedling growth, chlorophyll fluorescence in cotyledons, and the proline content of seedlings under laboratory conditions at temperatures of 20°C (day) and 10°C (night) with a 12/12 h photoperiod. The examined <em>C. apetalus</em> seeds were grown in a greenhouse, and <em>C. quitensis</em> seeds were harvested in Antarctica and grown in a greenhouse (Olsztyn, Poland). The seeds of <em>C. apetalus</em> were characterized by the highest germination capacity and the highest germination rate, whereas <em>C. quitensis</em> seedlings were characterized by the most favorable growth and development. Only the highest concentrations of MSA decreased the intensity of chlorophyll fluorescence in the cotyledons of both <em>Colobanthus</em> species. The proline content of <em>C. apetalus</em> and <em>C. quitensis</em> seedlings increased significantly after MSA treatments. The results of this study clearly indicated that <em>Colobanthus quitensis</em> is more resistant to chemical stress induced by MSA. This is a first study to investigate the influence of MSA on the morphophysiology and biochemistry of higher plants.