Brassinosteroids reduced water absorption in tomato seeds
Shagun, R.P. Raghava, Kshitij And N. Raghava*
FIST-DST Sponsored PG Department of Botany, S.M.M.Town (PG) College, Ballia-277001 (India) e-mail: raghavarp@rediffmail.com/nisharaghava@yahoo.co.in
ABSTRACT
The effect of 28-homobrassinolide (BR) on germination and seedling growth of tomato was studied. The treatment was very effective in ameliorating the impact of water absorption on seed germination and seedling growth. The BR treated plants were healthier and require less water than control. The lower concentrations 0.1, 1 and 3ppm, increased various seed germination parameters, viz. speed of germination, coefficient of velocity of germination, emergence index, relative seed germination, relative root elongation, root and shoot length, fresh and dry weights of seedlings and vigour index. The enhancement of chlorophyll and carotenoids contents with lower concentrations (0.1, 1,and 3ppm) was also recorded, but failed to produce positive results with the higher concentrations (7 and 10ppm).