Influence of sodium benzoate on some physiological processes taking place in germinating seeds of radish Raphanus sativus L.

Derivatives of benzoate acid are produced at industrial level and are used as preservatives in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. They also occur naturally in some berries and are intermediates of metabolic trails. In over-physiological doses they have a destructive effect on human body and other living organisms. The aim of this study was determine the influence of sodium benzoate on germination processes of radish seeds Raphanus sativus L. The results that were obtained reveal that sodium benzoate in concentration lower than 0.03 mol.dm(-3) decreases energy, and to a smaller extent germination ability of radish seeds. However, sodium benzoate does not modify growth dynamics of seedlings, nor does it induce pathomorphological features. In concentration higher than 0.03 mol.dm(-3) sodium benzoate totally inhibits seed germination process. Despite the lack of signs of seed germination in the investigated samples, no decrease in germ vitality in the seeds was observed. The results suggest that biological tests based on seed germination process can be used to determine potential toxicity of preservatives.