Ecotoxicological effects of different concentrations of alkaline metal salts and an acid on the seed germination of Pinus nigra ssp. pallasiana

Abstract

Ecotoxicological effects of different concentrations of alkaline metal salts (NaCl, KNO3) and strong acid (H2SO4) on the germination of P. nigra ssp. pallasiana (Black Pine) seeds of different origins were investigated. Seeds were exposed to four different concentrations of NaCl, KNO3 and H2SO4 (0.05% to 3%). The results revealed that seed germination rate and germination speed of the Black Pine seeds collected from 14 origins responded differently to the toxicity of NaCl, H2SO4, and KNO3. The results indicated that, while low NaCl concentrations (0.5 to 1%) had no effects on seed germination rates, high concentrations (2 to 3%) had significant inhibitory effects, all concentrations reduced germination speed of the seeds. 0.5 to 2% concentrations of KNO3 had no effects, but 3% concentration had significant inhibitory effect on germination rate, it reduced germination speed as well. H2SO4 had significant inhibitory effects, reduced both germination percentage and speed, inhibiting or preventing germination altogether.