Boron (H3BO3) Toxicity in Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Germination

Aim: The beneficial and harmful effects of the chemical compound depend on the organism physiology but high levels of boron have harmful effects for most of the plants. Chemical compound limits life cycle activities. In the study, the toxic effects of Boron (H3BO3) on the germination of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seeds were investigated.
Study Design: The experimental design comprised complete randomized blocks (CRD) with 3 replicates. The results were evaluated by analysis of variance using the Statistical Analysis System software and treatments means were considered significantly different at p<0.05. Mean separation was evaluated by Least Significant Difference. Correlation coefficients between all possible combinations were determined and the results indicated that all the studied parameters had significantly positive or negative relationship.
Place and Duration of Study: The present experiment was conducted at Gaziantep University Vocational School of Higher Education in Nurdagi, Gaziantep/Turkey between July and August 2012.
Methodology: Gina and Sarikiz common bean cultivars were placed in the temperature adjustable plant growth cabinet at 25°C with 1-2-3-4-5% Boron Concentration and distilled water-as control-(2,5 µS/cm). In this study Germination percentage (GP), germination index (GI), seed length (SL), vigor Index (VI), difference from control (DFC) and fitotoxicity parameters were investigated.
Results: Germination Percentage, Germination Index, Seed Lenght, Vigor Index, Difference from Control and Fitotoxicity parameters varied between 0.00-90.00% , 0.00-5.09, 0.00-5.64cm, 0.00-505.43, 0.00-100% and 0.00-100% respectively. Significant differences were found between cultivars for Germination Percentage, Germination Index, Seed Length, Vigor Index. On the other, the only significant difference in interaction (Variety X Boron Concentration) was detected in vigor index.
Conclusion: Increasing in boron concentration could decrease germination of common bean. Fitotoxicity has negative and significant relationship with Germination Percentage, Germination Index, Seed Lenght, Vigor Index however other all possible correlation combinations was significant and positive.