Effects of electrical current on seed germination and physiological and biochemical properties in Acacia cincinnata

The effects of electricity on the seed germination and physiological characteristics of Acacia cincinnata were evaluated using different electric field intensities (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 kV·cm⁻¹) for 60 min and compared to a control group (CK, 0 kV·cm⁻¹). The results showed that the germination potential, germination index, and germination rate of A. cincinnata seeds were improved compared with CK: the relative conductivity was significantly lower than that of CK at 0.8 and 0.6 kV·cm⁻¹ (P < 0.05); the malonaldehyde (MDA) content was significantly lower than that of CK at 0.6 kV·cm⁻¹ (P < 0.05); the levels of peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased first and then decreased with an increase in the electric field, while the level of catalase (CAT) activity decreased first and then increased and decreased with an increase of electric field. A comprehensive analysis of the structural equation model showed that treatment with an electrical current had a significant effect on POD and relative conductivity (P < 0.001). A significant effect was observed between enzyme activities (P < 0.001), while MDA, POD, and CAT were found to have a significant effect on the germination rate. These results indicate that the application of a suitable electrical current has a significant effect on the germination and physiological characteristics of A. cincinnata seeds, as well as improving seed germination. In summary, treatment with an appropriate electrical current can promote seed germination. In particular, a voltage intensity of 0.6 kV·cm⁻¹ achieved the best germination effect on A. cincinnata seeds.