Effects of aqueous extracts of Gentiana stramine on seed germination and seedling growth of Medicago sativa and Triticum aestivum

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) seeds were treated with different concentrations of aqueous extracts from Gentiana stramine leaves and roots. The results showed that the inhibition effects of aqueous extracts on seed germination and seedling growth of alfalfa and wheat gradually increased with the increase of the G. straminea plant aqueous extract concentration. Only with low concentrations (0.025 g·mL-1) G. straminea plant aqueous extracts promoted seed germination and seedling growth of alfalfa. The seeds germination of alfalfa were significantly inhibited (P<0.05) at a concentration of 0.1 g·mL-1. The inhibition effects on alfalfa was more serious than that on wheat. Inhibition effects of G. straminea aqueous extracts from leaves was significantly greater than root. The antioxidant enzyme activities of alfalfa and wheat were also affected by aqueous extract. Superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase activities and malondialdehyde content significantly increased (P<0.05)with increasing concentrations.