The Effect of Salinity on Early Germination of Phaseolus Vulgaris

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The Effect of Salinity on Early Germination of Phaseolus Vulgaris BIO 109 Dr. Thomas Montagno March 14, 2013 ABSTRACT The early germination characteristics displayed by Phaseolus vulgaris during exposure to increased concentrations of saline solution was investigated. Common bean seeds were counted and separated into 8 groups of ten. The groups of seeds were placed into folded paper towels and saturated with previously determined specific concentrations of saline. The saline soaked paper towels containing the beans were placed into labeled plastic bags corresponding to their concentration of saline, loosely closed, and left to germinate at room temperature (37° C). After a period of 7 days, the bags were opened and contents examined. Quantitative measurements, such as germination rate and length of visible root growth were recorded along with qualitative observations like color, smell and presence of mold or fungus on the seedlings. There was insignificant or no growth in seedlings germinated in the highest salt surroundings, moderate to high growth in midline concentrations and an unexpectedly low rate of growth and root length observed in the control group, which were saturated in salt-free solution. INTRODUCTION The objective of the investigation was to observe and interpret the effects of increased concentrations of salinity on the earliest growth phases of Phaseolus vulgaris, the common bean, using pre-determined controls and variables. “Phaseolus is an American genus of approximately 40 species, mainly distributed in the tropics and subtropics” (Bayuelo-Jimenez et al., 2002). It is a main source of nutrition in the United States, as well as in many developing countries. Legumes in general are considered to be one of the least salt-tolerant groups of plants in the eudicot classification. The most essential nutrient required by any

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