Journal of Stress Physiology & Biochemistry (May 2012)
Effect of Different Levels of Drought Stress (PEG 6000 Concentrations) On Seed Germination and Inorganic Elements Content in Purslane (Portulaca oleraceae L.) Leaves
Abstract
One of the most important environmental stresses is drought that great effect on plant grow and metabolism. In this study, drought stress effect on germination and inorganic elements content in leaves of medical plant Purslane (Portulaca oleraceae L.) were study. This plant as an Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Diuretic, and Blood Filtering has medical application. Drought stress imposed by polyethylene glycol 6000 on seedlings and experiments in completely random model framework and with 3 replications performed. Drought levels imposed consist of Blank (distilled water), -0/1 -0/2 ,-0/4 ,-0/6, -0/8 and -1 MPa. In relation with germination, observed that with increasing of drought level, germination percent was decreased, but this decrement was not meaningful in statistical level of 0/01, which indication of high resistant Purslane than to drought stress in germination stage. But in relation with inorganic elements in Purslane leaves, meaningful increase of Sodium, and meaningful decrement of Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese, and Iron content with increase of drought level, was observed (P>0/01). In relation to sodium concentration, the highest content in level of -1 MPa and the least concentration in blank level, was observed.The highest concentration of potassium in -0/2 MPa and the least concentration in -1 MPa, observed. Also, the highest and least concentration of calcium, magnesium, manganese and iron observed in blank level and -1 MPa level, orderly.
