For studying the effect of excess boron treatment on seed germination, seeds of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L. var R552) were sown in petridishes with varying concentrations of boron (0, 0.33, 3.3, 33, 330 mM) in seed germinator at 28°C and 85% relative humidity. Germination percentage, vigor index and percentage phytotoxicity in seeds were studied. Concentration of sugars, starch and phenols were determined in seedling parts such as cotyledon and embryonic axes. Seed germination and vigor index was found to be decreased and percentage phytotoxicity was increased in seeds with increase in the concentration of boron in germinating solution. Boron stress caused the increased concentration of sugars and phenols and decreased starch concentration in cotyledons and embryonic axes of growing seedling.
Boron toxicity, germination, linseed, phytotoxicity, starch, total sugars, phenols
