Evaluating the Impact of Selenium on Germination and Early Growth Stages of Phaseolus vulgaris: A Comprehensive Study

Selenium is an essential micronutrient for plants, playing a critical role in various physiological processes. However, its effects on plant growth can be dual, acting as both a beneficial nutrient and a potential toxin depending on its concentration. This study investigates the impact of selenium on the germination and early growth stages of Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean), a crop of significant agricultural importance.

The experiment was conducted under controlled laboratory conditions at Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University (Kahramanmaras/Turkey) in 2022 year. Phaseolus vulgaris seeds were subjected to different selenium concentrations: 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512 and 1024 mg/l. The seeds were incubated in Petri dishes and monitored for various parameters including plumula length, radicle length, germination ratio, germination index and seed vigor index.

It is indicated that both genotype and selenium dose had significant effects on the evaluated parameters. Lower selenium doses (0,1,2,4,8 and 16 mg/l) generally promoted germination and growth, while higher doses (32 mg/l and above) had inhibitory effects. The germination ratio, germination index and seed vigor index were significantly higher at lower selenium concentrations, indicating an optimal dose for enhancing seedling vigor and growth. The findings highlight the dual role of selenium as both a nutrient and a potential toxin, depending on its concentration. This study provides valuable insights into optimizing selenium application for improving the growth and productivity of common bean plants. Understanding the optimal selenium levels for different genotypes can aid in developing better fertilization strategies for sustainable agriculture.