Germination Kinetics and Chlorophyll Fluorescence Imaging Allow for Early Detection of Alkalinity Stress in Rhododendron Species

Rhododendron species are typical calcifuges that do not grow well in calcareous soils characterized by alkaline pH and high concentrations of Ca2+. In this study, we investigated the effects three levels a Ca2+ treatment on vitro germination seedling growth species: R. chihsinianum, fortunei, vernicosum. Alkaline had no significant effect parameters (gMAX, mean time uniformity) but significantly increased abnormal leaf development (AL) mortality all species. Adding extra reduced for The negative influence seedlings was already visible second day as measured chlorophyll fluorescence imaging (Fv/Fm ΦPSII) fortunei. Extra alleviated Fv/Fm 41 days after seed fortunei chihsinianum conclusion, mainly influenced process itself. Chlorophyll can be an efficient way to perform high-throughput screening alkalinity tolerance.