ABSTRACT
EFFECT OF WATER POTENTIAL ON GERMINATION OF RADISH (Raphanus sativus L)

Gladys Fernández H.1, Myrna Johnston B.2 y Blanca Urrutia A.3
 

The effects of different water potentials, 0, -5, -10, -15 and -20 atm, on germination, radicular growth and dry weight of radish cv. Parkle seedlings were studied. Mannitol solutions were used as osmotic substances. Germination was reduced and its velocity delayed with progressive reduction of water in the media, reaching a critical level with -15 atm. Radicular growth was the most affected process by water stress while germination was the least.

Keywords:
1Ing. Agr., Mg. Sc., Fisiología Vegetal, Departamento Producción Agrícola, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 1004, Santiago, Chile.
2Prof. Bíol., Mg. Sc., Fisiología Vegetal, Departamento Producción Agrícola, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 1004, Santiago, Chile.
3Prof. Química, Fisiología Vegetal.