Effects of High-pressure Treatment on the Germination of Kidney Bean Seeds

Abstract

　This study aimed to determine the effects of high-pressure treatment (10—100MPa) on the germination rate of kidney bean seeds. As compared to non-high-pressure treatment, high-pressure treatment increased the germination rates at 24 h after water absorption. However, germination rates at 48h after water absorption were lower in the high-pressure treatment condition or during prolonged high-pressure treatment condition than in the non-high-pressure treatment condition. The water-absorption rate of kidney bean seeds was considerably accelerated by high-pressure treatment (10MPa, 60s). Furthermore, the amylase activity was higher in kidney beans subjected to high-pressure treatment than in those subjected to non-high-pressure treatment. The results led to the conclusion that the high germination rate of kidney beans subjected to high-pressure treatment greatly depended on the acceleration of water absorption by high-pressure treatment.