Use of azelaic acid to promote seed germination and / or plant growth

Abstract

The application provides an application of azelaic acid in promoting seed germination and / or plant growth, and belongs to the technical field of plant growth regulation. The application not only provides the application of azelaic acid in promoting seed germination and / or plant growth, but also provides a method for promoting seed germination and / or plant growth. The seed is treated with an azelaic acid solution with a concentration of 0.1-1.0 mM before sowing. The results of examples show that the azelaic acid can effectively improve the germination rate of the seed under salt stress and normal conditions, shorten the seed germination time, promote the hypocotyl growth and root growth of seedlings, and relieve the adverse effects of salt stress environment on seed germination and plant growth.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of agricultural planting technology, specifically relating to the application of azelaic acid in promoting plant seed germination and / or plant growth. Background Technology

[0002] Soil salinization is one of the most common problems in agricultural production worldwide. The resulting ion toxicity and osmotic stress significantly impact plant growth and development, directly affecting yield and quality. Saline land is widely distributed in my country, covering approximately 100 million hectares. It mainly occurs in arid, semi-arid, and semi-humid regions. Besides naturally formed saline-alkali land, the overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, as well as improper farming practices, can also lead to the accumulation of salt in the topsoil, resulting in secondary soil salinization.

[0003] When soil salinity exceeds the range that plants can tolerate, it severely hinders plant growth and development, especially during germination (emergence) and seedling stages, where plants are more sensitive to salt concentrations. Salt stress is a significant ecological limiting factor affecting seed germination. Currently, breeding salt-tolerant crops is a feasible solution, but successful examples are few. Promoting the growth and seed germination of existing plants has become an effective strategy. Therefore, how to improve plant growth and seed germination is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0004] Azelaic acid, also known as azelaic acid, is a signaling component of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in plants. It induces plant resistance through the NO-ROS-AzA-G3P signaling pathway. There are few studies on the mechanism of action of azelaic acid in plant growth regulation, and there are no reports in the current technology on azelaic acid promoting plant seed germination and / or plant growth. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a new use for azelaic acid, specifically its application in promoting plant seed germination and / or plant growth, which can effectively promote the germination of plant seeds and the growth of hypocotyls and roots in plant seedlings.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] This invention provides the application of azelaic acid in promoting plant seed germination and / or plant growth.

[0008] Preferably, the soil used for plant seed germination and / or plant growth is saline soil and / or ordinary soil.

[0009] Preferably, the salt concentration in the saline soil is 120–200 mM.

[0010] Preferably, the plant seed germination includes seed germination rate and / or seed germination speed.

[0011] Preferably, the plant growth includes the growth of the hypocotyl and / or roots of the plant seedling.

[0012] Preferably, the concentration of the azelaic acid is 0.1 to 1 mM.

[0013] Preferably, the concentration of the azelaic acid is 0.4–0.6 mM.

[0014] Preferably, the plants include plants of the Malvaceae family and / or plants of the Poaceae family.

[0015] The present invention provides a method for promoting plant seed germination and / or plant growth, comprising the following steps: treating plant seeds with an azelaic acid solution with a concentration of 0.1 to 1.0 mM before sowing.

[0016] Preferably, the processing time is 12 to 18 hours.

[0017] Beneficial effects:

[0018] This invention provides the application of azelaic acid in promoting seed germination and / or plant growth. Experiments using azelaic acid solution to treat plant seeds showed that azelaic acid not only improves seed germination rate but also shortens germination time, with significant effects observed 1-3 days after sowing. Furthermore, the azelaic acid treatment also promotes the growth of the hypocotyl and roots in seedlings. Therefore, azelaic acid exhibits significant advantages in promoting seed germination and / or plant growth.

[0019] Furthermore, this invention specifically defines the soil used for plant seed germination and / or plant growth as saline soil and / or ordinary soil. This invention simulates ordinary soil and saline soil using filter paper soaked in salt solutions of different concentrations. The results show that, compared to the control group, azelaic acid not only promotes plant seed germination and seedling growth under ordinary soil conditions, but also significantly promotes plant seed germination and seedling growth under saline soil conditions. Detailed Implementation

[0020] This invention provides the application of azelaic acid in promoting plant seed germination and / or plant growth.

[0021] In this invention, the concentration of azelaic acid is preferably 0.1–1 mM, more preferably 0.4–0.6 mM, and most preferably 0.5 mM. The azelaic acid solution is preferably prepared by first dissolving it in ethanol and then preparing an aqueous solution of a certain concentration. The molecular formula of azelaic acid is C9H₂O. 16 O4, with the structural formula HOOC(CH2)7COOH and a molecular weight of 188.22. In this embodiment of the invention, the azelaic acid was purchased from Merck Ltd.

[0022] In this invention, the soil used for plant seed germination and / or plant growth is preferably saline soil and / or ordinary soil. In this invention, the salt concentration in the saline soil is preferably 120–200 mM, more preferably 140–160 mM, and most preferably 150 mM. The salt concentration in the ordinary soil is preferably 0–50 mM, more preferably 0–30 mM, and most preferably 0 mM. The salt preferably includes NaCl; in this embodiment of the invention, filter paper soaked in NaCl salt solution is used to simulate the soil environment.

[0023] In this invention, the plants preferably include plants of the Malvaceae family and / or the Poaceae family. The Malvaceae family plants preferably include cotton and / or corn, and the Poaceae family plants preferably include wheat and / or rice. In embodiments of this invention, cotton is used as a representative of the Malvaceae family, and wheat as a representative of the Poaceae family, to illustrate the application of azelaic acid in promoting seed germination of Malvaceae or Poaceae plants, and its application in promoting the growth of Malvaceae and / or Poaceae plants.

[0024] In this invention, the plant seed germination preferably includes seed germination rate and / or seed germination speed. The plant growth preferably includes the growth of the hypocotyl and / or root growth of the plant seedling.

[0025] The present invention provides a method for promoting plant seed germination and / or plant growth, comprising the following steps: treating plant seeds with an azelaic acid solution with a concentration of 0.1 to 1.0 mM before sowing.

[0026] In this invention, the treatment time is preferably 12-18 hours, more preferably 15-16 hours, and most preferably 16 hours. The preferred treatment method is to soak the plant seeds in an azelaic acid solution to absorb water and swell.

[0027] In this invention, the sowing method preferably involves sowing seeds treated with azelaic acid solution into ordinary soil and / or saline soil. Under laboratory conditions, to simulate the environment of natural seed germination, the sowing method preferably involves wrapping the plant seeds in filter paper. The filter paper is preferably filter paper soaked in a salt solution. The concentration of the salt solution is preferably 0–200 mM, more preferably 140–160 mM, and most preferably 150 mM.

[0028] In this invention, the process of sowing preferably includes seedling growth. This invention does not impose special restrictions on the environmental conditions for seedling growth; well-known seedling growth conditions in the art can be used.

[0029] In this embodiment of the invention, filter paper soaked in 0 mM salt solution simulated ordinary soil, while filter paper soaked in 150 mM and 200 mM salt solutions simulated saline soil environments. The effects of different concentrations of azelaic acid (0 mM, 0.1 mM, 0.5 mM, and 1 mM) on the germination rate and speed of plant seeds were studied. The experimental results showed that, when planted in ordinary soil, compared with the control group, azelaic acid significantly promoted the germination rate of plant seeds. Furthermore, the germination rate first increased and then decreased with increasing azelaic acid concentration, reaching its highest at a concentration of 0.5 mM, along with a correspondingly higher germination speed.

[0030] This invention uses cotton as an example, employing filter paper soaked in 0 mM salt solution to simulate ordinary soil, and filter paper soaked in 150 mM and 200 mM salt solutions to simulate saline soil environments. The effects of different concentrations of azelaic acid (0 mM, 0.1 mM, 0.5 mM, and 1 mM) on seed germination rate and speed were studied. The results showed that when the salt solution concentration was 0 mM, the 0.5 mM azelaic acid group promoted seed germination 1–5 days after sowing, with a significant effect 1 day after sowing. The 1 mM azelaic acid group also promoted seed germination 1 day after sowing. Therefore, the preferred concentration of azelaic acid for promoting seed germination in ordinary soil is 0.5–1 mM, more preferably 0.5 mM, and the preferred time is 1–5 days, more preferably 1 day.

[0031] When the salt solution concentration is 150 mM, the 0.1 mM azelaic acid group, the 0.5 mM azelaic acid group, and the 1 mM azelaic acid group can significantly promote seed germination 1 to 5 days after sowing, and the 0.5 mM azelaic acid group has the best effect. Therefore, the preferred concentration of azelaic acid to promote seed germination in 150 mM saline soil is 0.1 to 1 mM, more preferably 0.5 mM, and the preferred time is 1 to 5 days, more preferably 1 to 3 days. When the salt solution concentration is 200 mM, the 0.1 mM azelaic acid group significantly promoted seed germination 1 day after sowing, while the 0.5 mM and 1 mM azelaic acid groups significantly promoted seed germination 1–3 days after sowing. The 0.5 mM azelaic acid group showed the best effect. Therefore, the preferred concentration of azelaic acid for promoting seed germination in 200 mM saline soil is 0.1–1 mM, more preferably 0.5 mM, and the preferred time is 1–3 days, more preferably 1 day.

[0032] This invention further uses wheat as an example, employing filter paper soaked in 0 mM salt solution to simulate ordinary soil, and filter paper soaked in 150 mM and 200 mM salt solutions to simulate saline soil environment, to study the effects of different concentrations of azelaic acid (0 mM, 0.1 mM, 0.5 mM, and 1 mM) on seed germination rate and speed. The results show that when the salt solution concentration is 0 mM, the 0.1 mM and 0.5 mM azelaic acid groups can promote seed germination 1–5 days after sowing, with a significant effect at 1 day after sowing. The 0.5 mM azelaic acid group has a better effect on promoting seed germination. Therefore, the preferred concentration of azelaic acid for promoting seed germination in ordinary soil is 0.1–0.5 mM, more preferably 0.5 mM, and the preferred time is 1–5 days, more preferably 1 day. When the salt solution concentration is 150 mM, the 0.5 mM azelaic acid group can promote seed germination 1–5 days after sowing, with a significant effect 1 day after sowing. Therefore, the preferred concentration of azelaic acid for promoting seed germination in 150 mM saline soil is 0.4–0.5 mM, more preferably 0.5 mM, and the preferred time is 1–5 days, more preferably 1 day. When the salt solution concentration is 200 mM, azelaic acid cannot effectively promote seed germination.

[0033] This invention further determined the effects of different concentrations of azelaic acid (0 mM, 0.1 mM, 0.5 mM, and 1 mM) on hypocotyl growth in cotton seedlings. The results showed that when the salt solution concentration was 0 mM, both the 0.5 mM and 1 mM azelaic acid groups promoted hypocotyl growth in seedlings 3–5 days after sowing, with a significant effect observed at 3 days post-sowing, and the 1 mM azelaic acid group showing the best effect. Therefore, the preferred concentration of azelaic acid for promoting hypocotyl growth in seedlings in ordinary soil is 0.5–1 mM, more preferably 1 mM, and the preferred time is 3–5 days, more preferably 3 days. When the salt solution concentration is 150 mM, the 0.1 mM, 0.5 mM, and 1 mM azelaic acid groups significantly promoted the growth of hypocotyls in seedlings 3–5 days after sowing, with the 1 mM azelaic acid group showing the best effect. Therefore, the preferred concentration of azelaic acid for promoting hypocotyl growth in seedlings in 150 mM saline soil is 0.1–1 mM, more preferably 1 mM, and the preferred time is 3–5 days. When the salt solution concentration is 200 mM, the 0.5 mM and 1 mM azelaic acid groups significantly promoted the growth of hypocotyls in seedlings 3 days after sowing, with the 0.5 mM azelaic acid group showing the best effect. Therefore, the preferred concentration of azelaic acid for promoting hypocotyl growth in seedlings in 200 mM saline soil is 0.5–1 mM, more preferably 0.5 mM, and the preferred time is 3 days.

[0034] This invention further determined the effects of different concentrations of azelaic acid (0 mM, 0.1 mM, 0.5 mM, and 1 mM) on cotton root growth. The results showed that when the salt solution concentration was 0 mM, the 0.5 mM and 1 mM azelaic acid groups promoted root growth 3–5 days after sowing, with the 1 mM azelaic acid group showing the best effect. Therefore, the preferred concentration of azelaic acid for promoting root growth in ordinary soil is 0.5–1 mM, more preferably 1 mM, and the preferred time is 3–5 days. When the salt solution concentration was 150 mM, the 0.1 mM, 0.5 mM, and 1 mM azelaic acid groups significantly promoted root growth 3–5 days after sowing, with the 0.5 mM azelaic acid group showing the best effect. Therefore, the preferred concentration of azelaic acid for promoting root growth in 150 mM saline soil is 0.1–1 mM, more preferably 0.5 mM, and the preferred time is 3–5 days. When the salt solution concentration is 200 mM, the 0.1 mM azelaic acid group, the 0.5 mM azelaic acid group, and the 1 mM azelaic acid group can promote root growth 3 to 5 days after sowing. The 1 mM azelaic acid group has the best effect. Therefore, the preferred concentration of azelaic acid to promote root growth in 200 mM saline soil is 0.1 to 1 mM, more preferably 1 mM, and the preferred time is 3 to 5 days.

[0035] To further illustrate the present invention, the technical solutions provided by the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the embodiments, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] Azelaic acid was dissolved in ethanol to prepare aqueous solutions of different concentrations. Cotton seeds were soaked in these solutions (0 mM, 0.1 mM, 0.5 mM, and 1 mM) overnight for 16 hours to absorb water and swell. Then, the seeds were wrapped in filter paper soaked in NaCl solutions of different concentrations (0 mM, 150 mM, and 200 mM), placed in petri dishes, and cultured in a plant growth chamber at 28 ± 2℃ and 40% humidity under dark conditions. The cotton variety used was Lumianyan 37.

[0038] The germination rate of seeds was measured at 1 day, 3 days and 5 days after sowing, and the results are shown in Table 1.

[0039] Sowing experiments revealed that if cotton seeds do not germinate within 5 days of sowing, they are essentially no longer viable seeds. Therefore, only the germination rate 5 days after sowing was statistically analyzed.

[0040] Table 1. Effect of azelaic acid treatment on cotton seed germination rate (%)

[0041]

[0042] The results showed that low concentrations of azelaic acid (0.1 mM, 0.5 mM) were more effective in promoting seed germination, with the effect being more pronounced 1–3 days after sowing. Azelaic acid can be used to promote seed germination in soils with different salt concentrations, with the best effect observed at a salt concentration of 150 mM.

[0043] Specifically, when the salt solution concentration was 0 mM, the 0.5 mM azelaic acid group promoted seed germination 1–5 days after sowing, with a significant effect 1 day after sowing; the 1 mM azelaic acid group also promoted seed germination 1 day after sowing. When the salt solution concentration was 150 mM, the 0.1 mM, 0.5 mM, and 1 mM azelaic acid groups significantly promoted seed germination 1–5 days after sowing, with the 0.5 mM azelaic acid group showing the best effect. When the salt solution concentration was 200 mM, the 0.1 mM azelaic acid group significantly promoted seed germination 1 day after sowing; the 0.5 mM and 1 mM azelaic acid groups significantly promoted seed germination 1–3 days after sowing, with the 0.5 mM azelaic acid group showing the best effect.

[0044] The length of the hypocotyl of cotton seedlings was measured at 3 days and 5 days after sowing, and the results are shown in Table 2.

[0045] Table 2. Effects of azelaic acid on hypocotyl growth in cotton seedlings (cm)

[0046]

[0047] When the salt solution concentration was 0 mM, the 0.5 mM azelaic acid group and the 1 mM azelaic acid group promoted the growth of the hypocotyl in seedlings 3–5 days after sowing, with significant effects observed at 3 days post-sowing, and the 1 mM azelaic acid group showing the best effect. When the salt solution concentration was 150 mM, the 0.1 mM, 0.5 mM, and 1 mM azelaic acid groups significantly promoted the growth of the hypocotyl in seedlings 3–5 days post-sowing, with the 1 mM azelaic acid group showing the best effect. When the salt solution concentration was 200 mM, the 0.5 mM and 1 mM azelaic acid groups significantly promoted the growth of the hypocotyl in seedlings 3 days post-sowing, with the 0.5 mM azelaic acid group showing the best effect.

[0048] The length of cotton roots was measured 3 days and 5 days after sowing, and the results are shown in Table 3.

[0049] Table 3. Effects of azelaic acid on cotton root growth (cm)

[0050]

[0051] The results showed that when the salt solution concentration was 0 mM, the 0.5 mM azelaic acid group and the 1 mM azelaic acid group promoted root growth 3–5 days after sowing, with the 1 mM azelaic acid group showing the best effect. When the salt solution concentration was 150 mM, the 0.1 mM azelaic acid group, the 0.5 mM azelaic acid group, and the 1 mM azelaic acid group all significantly promoted root growth 3–5 days after sowing, with the 0.5 mM azelaic acid group showing the best effect. When the salt solution concentration was 200 mM, the 0.1 mM azelaic acid group, the 0.5 mM azelaic acid group, and the 1 mM azelaic acid group all promoted root growth 3–5 days after sowing, with the 1 mM azelaic acid group showing the best effect.

[0052] According to the data in Tables 1-3, the effect of azelaic acid on seeds is dose-dependent. Compared with the control (water), low concentration (0.1 mM, 0.5 mM) azelaic acid treatment can improve the germination rate, hypocotyl length and root length of cotton seeds under salt stress. High concentration (1.0 mM) treatment will affect seed germination, but will still promote the elongation of hypocotyl and root.

[0053] Example 2

[0054] The only difference between Example 2 and Example 1 is that the test seeds were wheat, and the wheat variety was Jimai 22. All other operations were the same as in Example 1.

[0055] The germination rate of seeds was measured at 1 day, 3 days and 5 days after sowing, and the results are shown in Table 4.

[0056] Table 4. Germination rate (%) of wheat seeds after treatment with different concentrations of azelaic acid

[0057]

[0058] The results showed that when the salt solution concentration was 0 mM, both the 0.1 mM and 0.5 mM azelaic acid groups promoted seed germination 1–5 days after sowing, with a significant effect 1 day after sowing. The 0.5 mM azelaic acid group showed the best effect in promoting seed germination. When the salt solution concentration was 150 mM, the 0.5 mM azelaic acid group also promoted seed germination 1–5 days after sowing, with a significant effect 1 day after sowing. When the salt solution concentration was 200 mM, azelaic acid did not effectively promote seed germination.

[0059] Although the above embodiments have provided a detailed description of the present invention, they are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. People can obtain other embodiments based on these embodiments without creative effort, and these embodiments all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Use of azelaic acid in promoting seed germination of plants; the concentration of the azelaic acid is 0.4-0.6 mM; the plants are cotton and / or wheat.

2. Use according to claim 1, characterized in that, the soil for seed germination of plants is saline soil and / or common soil.

3. Use according to claim 2, characterized in that, the concentration of the salt in the saline soil is 120-200 mM.

4. Use according to claim 1, characterized in that, the seed germination of plants includes seed germination rate and / or seed germination speed.

5. A method of promoting germination of plant seeds, characterized in that, the method comprises the following steps: the seed germination of plants is treated with the azelaic acid solution with the concentration of 0.4-0.6 mM before sowing; the plants are cotton and / or wheat.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, the treatment time is 12-18 h.

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