In vitro effect of KCl on germination, morphology and phytochemical content in Dasylirion sp. seedlings
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54167/tch.v20i1.2311Keywords:
sotol, salt stress, seeds, pigments, antioxidantsAbstract
Salinity is an important limiting factor for germination and early establishment of plant species in arid environments; however, the effects of excess potassium remain poorly understood in Dasylirion sp. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of KCl in vitro on germination, growth, and physiological status of seedlings. Three KCl concentrations (0.06, 0.12, and 0.19 mM) and a control treatment were assessed, analyzing germination parameters, biomass, morphometry, pigment content, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity. Results showed that increasing KCl concentrations significantly reduced the percentage, rate, and efficiency of germination, while increasing the average time for germination. Also, it was observed a reduction in biomass, growth, and photosynthetic pigments, along with a decrease in phenolic content and antioxidant activity. These results indicate that KCl induces physiological alterations affecting key processes such as water uptake, energy metabolism, and cellular integrity. In conclusion, KCl acts as an ionic stress factor that negatively impacts the early establishment of Dasylirion sp., demonstrating its high sensitivity under controlled experimental conditions.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54167/tch.v20i1.2311
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