Effects of Various Treatments on Germination and Catalase Activity of Tobacco Seeds

Effects of various treatments, such as K⁺, H⁺, osmotic potential and H₂O₂ on respiratory rate and catalase (CAT)activity during germination of flue-cured tobacco cv. NC89 seeds were determined. The results showed that:1)the vital index and CAT activity of seeds treated with 0.01-0.1 mol/L KNO₃ were obviously improved; 2) the vital index, the 4th day's CAT activity, and respiratory rate of seeds treated with 0.001-0.01 mol/L HCl were higher than those of control; 3)the vitality of seeds immersed in 200 -300g/L PEG-6000 for 24 hours was apparently increased; and 4)although the respiratory rate of seeds treated with 0.3% H₂O₂ was promoted, their germinating viability and vital index were lower than those of control.