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Abstract: |
In this work, the effects of
black cumin seed extract (BCSE) on the seed germination,
seedling growth (radicle length, radicle number and fresh
weight), mitotic activity and chromosomal aberrations of
Allium cepa L. germinated under both normal conditionsand
salt stress were studied. The radicle number of the seeds
germinated in the medium with BCSE alone partly reduced in
comparison with ones of the control seedsgerminated in
distilled water medium while their germination percentage,
radicle length and fresh weight statistically showed the
same values as the control. Furthermore, themitotic index in
root tip meristems of A. cepa seeds germinated in the medium
with BCSE alone demonstrated a significant decrease
according to ones of the control seeds germinated in
distilled water medium while the frequency of chromosomal
aberrations exhibited a significant increase according to
the control. On the other hand, salt stress considerably
inhibited the seed germination and seedling growth of A.
cepa. Moreover,it markedly decreased the mitotic index in
root tip meristems of the seeds and increased the number of
chromosomal aberrations. Whereas, the inhibitive effects of
salt on theseed germination and seedling growth were
dramatically alleviated in varying degrees by BCSE
application. But, it was ineffective in reducing of salt
damage on the mitoticactivity and chromosomal aberrations. |
