Early Growth Response of Wheat Genotypes to Varying Concentrations of Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2)

Iqra Arooj; Iqra Gohar; Rifat Mustansir; Rima Bibi; Nasr Ullah Khan; Muhammad Raza

Early Growth Response of Wheat Genotypes to Varying Concentrations of Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2)

Authors

Iqra Arooj MSc Hons students, Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, KPK, Pakistan
Iqra Gohar MSc Hons students, Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, KPK, Pakistan
Rifat Mustansir MSc Hons students, Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, KPK, Pakistan
Rima Bibi MSc Hons students, Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, KPK, Pakistan
Nasr Ullah Khan Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, Khaber Pakhtoon Khawah, Pakistan,
Muhammad Raza MSc Hons students, Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, KPK, Pakistan

Keywords:

Landrace, Black wheat, H2O2, Germination percentage, AZRC Dera

Abstract

Wheat is an important cereal crop and is grown globally as a staple food and an energy source. The germination and early growth of wheat seedlings are adversely affected by various biotic and abiotic factors, more importantly, insect pests, soil texture, temperature, moisture and soil nutrient availability. The exogenous application of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is thought to promote both germination and early growth response of wheat. However, its application is limited by optimizing the proper concentration and time duration of H2O2 for different wheat genotypes. This study was designed to determine the optimum H2O2 concentration and time required for H2O2 application to promote germination and early growth response of three wheat genotypes. The seeds of wheat genotypes namely AZRC Dera variety, landrace 49 and black wheat were subjected to varying concentrations (0.5%, 1% and 3%) of H2O2 for different time intervals (30 minutes, 2 hours and 4 hours) before the seeds soaking and growing in Petri- dishes using Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three biological replicates. Data collected for germination percentage, root length, fresh root weight and fresh biomass weight was subjected to an R-package for conducting ANOVA and calculating standard means (p = 0.05). Results showed that all four early growth parameters among three genotypes were significantly and adversely affected by higher H2O2 concentrations (1% and 3%) for longer periods (2 hours and 4 hours). On the contrary, the application of low H2O2 concentration (0.5%) for a short period (30 minutes) significantly enhanced germination percentage, root length, and fresh root and fresh biomass weight among all genotypes with landrace 49 being the most responsive (P = 0.05). At a concentration of 0.5% H2O2 and treatment for 30 minutes, all three genotypes exhibited the best germination enhancement and achieved a 100% germination percentage. In conclusion, pre-treatment of wheat seeds with 0.5% H2O2 for 30 minutes is recommended before sowing the seeds in the field.

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Early Growth Response of Wheat Genotypes to Varying Concentrations of Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2)