Arid Zone Research ›› 2025, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (8): 1415-1425.doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2025.08.06

• Plant Ecology • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Effects of quercetin and kaempferol on seed germination and seedling growth in Apocynum pictum Schrenk under salt stress

JI Yuchen1(), ZHAO Xueqing1, ZHAO Bing1, JIANG Li2()   

  1. 1. College of Landscape Architecture and Art, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
    2. Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, Xinjiang, China
  • Received:2025-05-19 Revised:2025-06-20 Online:2025-08-15 Published:2025-11-24

Abstract:

This study examined the effects of soaking Apocynum pictum Schrenk seeds in different concentrations of kaempferol (KAE) and quercetin (QR) on seed germination and seedling growth under salt stress. The experimental results demonstrated that both treatments effectively alleviated salt stress in A. pictum, significantly promoting seed germination and seedling growth while enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities. The optimal concentration for salt stress mitigation was 400 μmol·L−1 for KAE and 200 μmol·L−1 for QR. Notably, 200 μmol·L−1 QR and 100 μmol·L−1 KAE maximally stimulated seed germination, whereas 200 μmol·L−1 KAE displayed superior performance in promoting radicle elongation, stimulating fresh weight accumulation, and enhancing, and photosynthetic pigment content in seedlings. Through comprehensive evaluation using membership function analysis, treatment of A. pictum seeds with 200 μmol·L−1 QR or 400 μmol·L−1 KAE for 12 h was identified as the most effective protocol for improving both seed germination and seedling growth parameters under salt stress.

Key words: Apocynum pictum, salt stress, quercetin, kaempferol, seed soaking