Water Uptake and Germination of Leguniinous Seeds Under Changing External Water Potential in Osmotic Solutions

Abstract

Water uptake patterns and germination rates of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and veteh (Vicia faba L.), as affected by constant and changing external water potential, were studied experimentally. The initial water uptake rate was found to decrease as the external water poten tial decreased, due te reduced diffusivity to water of the seed coats, but the final water gained by imbibition was sufficient to ensure full germination. Germination rate decreased with a decrease in the external water potential. The data presented suggest that more work should be directed toward a better understanding of the effects of external water potential changes on the enzymatic activity during and after the imbibition stage.