Effect of salinity on seed germination and
growth of Mung bean Plant (Vigna radiate L.)
Submitted by: Christine Mae S. Balbin
9-STEC
Submitted to: Mrs. Nelly Bien
Research Advisor
Introduction
Mung beans (Vigna radiata) are a vital pulse crop known for their nutritional
value and adaptability to various growing conditions. However, the impact of salinity on
mung bean seed germination and growth is a significant concern for agricultural
productivity (Rahnama et al., 2016). It is estimated about 45 million hectares of irrigated
area worldwide have been damaged by salt stress and considerable area of land affected
by salinity is increasing day by day worldwide. Salinity alters plant growth due to effect
on physiological processes like photosynthesis (Mehta et al., 2010).
Soil salinity has become a major threat to land degradation worldwide. The
application of organic amendments is a promising alternative to restore salt-degraded
soils and alleviate the deleterious effects of soil salt ions on crop growth and productivity
(Song et al., 2022).
Problem Statement
The aim of this study is to find out the effects of salinity to the seed germination
of mung bean (Vigna radiata.)
Hypothesis
If salinity levels increase, then it is expected that Mung bean plant germination
and growth will decline.
Null: There no significant effect of using salt solution in Mung beans germination
Alternative: There is a significant effect of using salt solution in Mung beans
germination
Materials and Methods
A. Experimental Design
This study used CRD (Completely Randomized Design). There were 5
treatmentsof 250 ml salt solutions:
Treatment 1 - 0% (water)
Treatment 2 - 0.25% (0.6g or ½ teaspoon of table salt diluted in 250 ml water)
Treatment 3 - 0.5% ( 1.3g or 1 teaspoon of table salt diluted in 250 ml water)
Treatment 4 - 0.75% (1.9g or 1 ½ teaspoons of table salt diluted in 250 ml water)
Treatment 5 - 1.0% (2.5g or 2 teaspoons of table salt diluted in 250 ml water)
B. Procedure
1. The researchers obtained mung bean seeds from a local market.
2. Healthy seeds were chosen and soaked in water for one hour.
3. A container lined with cotton or paper was used as the germination medium.
4. Each experimental treatment was allocated to uniquely labeled containers.
5. The seeds in each container were daily sprinkled with their assigned treatments
for seven days.
6. Plant length was measured daily to track growth progress.
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
Table 1. Shows the daily data gathered of germinated seeds.
Total Mung beans germinated (out of 20)
Treatments Day Day Day Day Day Day 6 Day 7 Remarks
1 2 3 4 5
Treatment 1: 0% Optimal
(water) 15 20 20 20 20 20 20 germination and
growth
Treatment 2: 11 14 16 16 16 16 16 Slight decrease in
0.25% germination
Treatment 3: Moderate decrease
0.5% 8 9 9 10 11 11 11 in germination
Treatment 4: Noticeable
0.75% 0 1 2 5 5 6 6 decrease in
germination
Treatment 5: Significant
1.0% 0 0 1 2 3 3 3 decrease in
germination
Discussion
The study found that the presence of salt has a significant impact on the
germination of mung bean seeds. Seeds exposed to salt had lower germination rates
compared to those without salt. Even a small amount of salt (2.5%) reduced the
likelihood of sprouting, while higher concentrations (5%, 7.5%, and 10%) completely
stopped germination. This highlights the considerable influence of salt on mung bean
growth.
The inhibition of mung bean growth by salt primarily occurs due to stress and
toxicity effects, which hinder the plants' ability to absorb water and nutrients. This leads
to dryness, nutrient deficiency, and internal damage, preventing effective sprouting,
proper root and shoot development, and overall plant health. Excessive salt prevents
mung beans from germinating effectively, resulting in reduced growth and bean
production.
Conclusion
The study's conclusion stressed that elevated salinity levels significantly
decreased mung bean germination by impeding water absorption and nutrient uptake.
These adverse conditions led to weaker seedlings and stunted plant growth, highlighting
the importance of soil salinity in influencing agricultural productivity and food security.
References:
Mehta, P., Jajoo, A., Mathur, S., & Bharti, S. (2010). Chlorophyll a fluorescence study
revealing effects of high salt stress on Photosystem II in wheat leaves. Plant
Physiology and Biochemistry, 48(1), 16–20.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2009.10.006
Song, X., Li, H., Song, J., Chen, W., & Shi, L. (2022). Biochar/vermicompost promotes
Hybrid Pennisetum plant growth and soil enzyme activity in saline soils. Plant
Physiology and Biochemistry, 183, 96–110.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2022.05.008
Rahnama, A., Munns, R., Poustini, K., & Watt, M. (2016). A screening method to identify
genetic variation in root growth response to a salinity gradient. Journal of
Experimental Botany, 67(6), 2061-2070.
