Influences of Exogenous Citric Acid on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Alfalfa

doi:10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb2025-0930

Abstract

Abstract:

To clarify the regulatory effects of exogenous citric acid on the germination of alfalfa seeds and seedling growth, and to investigate its impact on the antioxidant physiological characteristics of the seedlings, the effects of exogenous citric acid at different concentrations on the germination rate, germination potential, germination index, root length, plant height, biomass, chlorophyll content, soluble protein, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities of alfalfa were analyzed through the hydroponic experiments using alfalfa as the research object. The results showed that exogenous citric acid negatively affected both seed germination and seedling growth of alfalfa. However, the impact on photosynthesis was not significant. Exogenous citric acid could enhance the antioxidant capacity and stress adaptability of alfalfa seedlings by affecting the soluble protein content, SOD, and POD activity of the seedlings. It was found that alfalfa seedlings could maintain normal growth and development through oxidative stress response when the concentration of exogenous citric acid was <6 mmol/L. When the concentration of exogenous citric acid was ≥8 mmol/L, the germination of alfalfa seeds and growth of alfalfa seedlings were significantly inhibited.

Key words: citrate acid, alfalfa, seed germination, oxidative stress, physiology and biochemistry

CLC Number:

S541多年生豆科牧草

HAN Yue, XU Dong, CHEN Cheng, FAN Yuchao, ZHAO Rui, YU Peng, XIN Zhikun, LIU Guanghui. Influences of Exogenous Citric Acid on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Alfalfa[J]. Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin, 2026, 42(19): 172-178.

Figures/Tables 7

References 30

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处理编号	柠檬酸浓度/(mmol/L)
CK	0
CA2	2
CA4	4
CA6	6
CA8	8
CA10	10

处理编号	柠檬酸浓度/(mmol/L)
CK	0
CA2	2
CA4	4
CA6	6
CA8	8
CA10	10

处理编号	发芽指数
CK	48.8±4.1a
CA2	44.0±9.1a
CA4	41.2±1.6a
CA6	43.3±6.5a
CA8	12.8±6.2b
CA10	5.8±1.3b

处理编号	发芽指数
CK	48.8±4.1a
CA2	44.0±9.1a
CA4	41.2±1.6a
CA6	43.3±6.5a
CA8	12.8±6.2b
CA10	5.8±1.3b

处理编号	叶片数/片	根长/mm	株高/mm	鲜重/g	干重/g
CK	3	32.44±4.71a	25.68±1.98a	0.0562±0.001a	0.0052±0.0001a
CA2	3	28.19±3.21ab	27.19±0.32a	0.0494±0.005b	0.0037±0.0004b
CA4	3	25.09±0.18b	15.67±0.33b	0.0491±0.004b	0.0049±0.007a
CA6	2	10.63±1.26c	9.54±2.20c	0.0324±0.002c	0.0038±0.0002c
CA8	2	4.38±1.88d	5.67±0.19d	0.0296±0.001d	0.0033±0.0003c
CA10	2	3.13±1.55d	4.44±0.59d	0.0205±0.005e	0.0023±0.0006d