Effects of Acid Aluminum Stress on the Seed Germination and Seeding Growth of Medicago hispida cv. Chuxiong

PurposeTo study the effects of acid and aluminum stress on the seed germination and growth of Medicago hispida cv. Chuxiong, and provide a theoretical basis and reference for the improvement and cultivation of alfalfa in acid soil.

MethodIn this experiment, M. hispida cv. Chuxiong was used as the material, and 30 solutions (pH 3.5, 4.5, 5.5, 6.5, 7.5+ Al³⁺ 0, 100, 300, 500, 700, 1 000 mg/L) were prepared according to different pH values and corresponding aluminum ion concentrations. After 10 days of treatment, the seed germination rate, germination potential, root length, stem length, POD and SOD were determined and calculated.

ResultThe germination and seedling growth were well under slight acid conditions (pH 5.5-6.5), the germination and seedling growth of M. hispida cv. Chuxiong had a greater negative effect than other treatments. The germination and seedling growth were seriously reduced by higher Al³⁺ treatments (Al³⁺>500 mg/L) which resulted in a significant decrease in the growth index (P<0.05). The combination of M. hispida cv. Chuxiong were greater than those of either stress in isolation. Even the treatment of pH<4.5 and ρ(Al³⁺)>500 mg/L had a significant negative effect on seed germination and growth.

ConclusionM. hispida cv. Chuxiong can be widely planted under the conditions of pH greater than 4.5 and ρ(Al³⁺) less than 500 mg/L.