Effect of Heat Treatment on Germination, Seedling Growth and Some Biochemical Parameters of Dry Seeds of Black Gram

Seeds have been extensively used for studying the effect of temperature on physiological process. Dry seeds are frequently able to withstand a broad range of temperature but after the germination has been set in motion by the inhibition of water most seeds appear to tolerate a much narrower range of temperatures. Many of the early studies led to the concept of minimal, maximal and optimal temperatures for seed germination and biochemical changes. At first, the effect of heat treatment of dry seeds of black gram at 50(O)C for 10, 20 and 30 min. duration on seed germination was conducted. Then, next experiment was the 3 day old seedlings also were given the same treatment with control to find out the effect on further growth and biochemical changes. Analysis showed, the duration of 30 min. (50(O)C) was found to be significantly effective in reducing the seed germination, seedling growth and vigour index. Biochemical study on protein and proline content found to be markedly high in 30 min. treated than other two treatments, whereas chlorophyll content was high in the samples of 10 and 20 min. treated seedlings. Our results indicate that, heat treatment at 50(O)C to black gram seeds could tolerate and germinate into normal seedlings for short duration(10 and 20 min.) and in biochemical analysis, protein and proline content was high in 30 min.(50(O)C) duration and chlorophyll was very low.