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Abstract [Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effect of hydrogen peroxide on the seed germination of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Luba 2. [Method] The seeds of Luba 2 were separately soaked in 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% hydrogen peroxide solution for 2, 5 and 10 min before seed germination. The germination rate and days to reach the maximum germination rate were calculated. [Result] Treatment with low concentrations (20%) of hydrogen peroxide for 2 and 5 min made eggplant Luba 2 germinate in advance, and shortened the time to reach the maximum germination rate. Treatment with high concentrations (60% and 80%) of hydrogen peroxide solution for longer time (10 min) caused significant damage to the seeds, delayed seed germination, and reduced the germination rate. [Conclusion] This study will provide theoretical references for the production practices of eggplant.
Key words Hydrogen peroxide; Eggplant seeds; Seed germination
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Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is one of the most common vegetables in China, which has high yield, strong adaptability and a long harvest period, so it is a staple vegetable in summer and autumn. Eggplant is widely grown in China, and thus a large amount of seeds are demanded111, and should be treated before germination. Hydrogen peroxide (H202), a highly reactive chemical containing the elements hydrogen and oxygen, is the product of aerobic metabolism in cells. It is toxic to cells but also has important physiological functions. Numerous studies have demonstrated that exogenous hydrogen peroxide can increase the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration, and start calcium signaling system121. Moreover, hydrogen peroxide as a regulator of stress response in plants selectively induces the expression of many related genes to improve the plant immunity and promote plant metabolism13'41. It is also widely used as seed germination accelerator in scientific research and agricultural production because of its low price and high efficiency121. Suitable concentration of hydrogen peroxide can improve the permeability of the seed coat and thus promote seed germination. However, too high concentration of hydrogen peroxide will cause damage to the seeds, and reduce the germination rate and potential. A reasonable concentration of hydrogen peroxide is critical in production151. At present, the information about the effects of hydro gen peroxide on seed germination is still...