Effects of exogenous myristic acid on growth and germination of Brassica napus L. under zirconium toxicity

Abstract

Lipids when exogenously applied are known to cause various changes in ROS levels produced within plants. They can either be beneficial to the plant when not stimulating the overproduction of ROS thus resulting in improved germination and development or on the contrary, increasing the level of ROS produced, causing oxidative stress and thus leading to cell death of the plant. In this study, we report that a saturated fatty acid known as MA increased the germination percentages of Brassica napus L. seedlings when applied at a low concentration. When applied at higher concentrations, it was shown that elevated levels of ROS within the seedlings occurred therefore leading to a decrease in germination percentage as well as stunting of seedling growth. Physiological experiments such as biomass and cell death determination were conducted to further elucidate the effects of MA on the seedlings. Biochemical assays were performed to determine the oxidative state of specific ROS such as superoxide (O2-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).