Exogenous seed treatment with proline and its consequences to Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst) seedling establishment

Accumulation of proline is a defense mechanism against external stress conditions, preventing damage to the structure and function cells improving plant development processes, such as germination. The purpose this study was investigate treatment means germination Norway spruce seedlings. effect exogenous has been studied in three stages initial development. collected seeds were soaked water or 8 mM solution placed on germinators. capacity mean time determined. Seedlings with radicles >10 mm transferred sand-peat substrate at constant temperature 20 °C. 3 subsequent developmental (S1 – germinated > mm; S2 seedlings S3 established grown for 90 days) examined oxygen consumption rate, total antioxidant capacity, hydrogen peroxide level, malondialdehyde level intracellular content. Proline conducive lowering levels stage S1. At development, increased, stage, there also marked increase capacity. S3, characterized by lower mass, response stronger root tissues than leaves. rate higher all analyzed establishment differed treatment. Exogenous had some beneficial effects during first phase reducing condition lipid membranes. In seedling same concentration solution, undesirable effects, an cytoplasmic membranes, observed. Optimal concentrations should be determined prior commercial use improve tolerance.