Water submersion of seeds from three bean cultivars

Abstract

Tropical areas exhibit torrential rains, and when the rate of soil drainage is slower than the rate of precipitation, rapid flooding can result which can lead to germination failure. The objective of this study was to evaluate the tolerance of three bean cultivars (IPR-139, Pérola and IPR-Tiziu) to submersion in water for different time periods (0, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 h). Seeds were evaluated for moisture content, electrical conductivity, leached ethanol, germination percentage and vigour classification, length and dry weight of roots and shoots, proline content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (an antioxidant enzyme). Increasing the submersion time resulted in decreased germination, vigour and growth, with increased electrical conductivity and leaching of ethanol. Just 1 h of submersion was enough for early differences to be evident among cultivars. The SOD activity was near constant during submersion in all cultivars. Overall, IPR-139 was the most susceptible to submersion, and IPR-Tiziu was the most tolerant cultivar. The tolerance of IRP-Tiziu was related to the high proline content in dry seeds and proline consumption during the submersion period.