Germination of Lepidium sativum seeds and regulation of beta-galactosidase enzyme production in response to different abiotic factors

Wafaa Z. Alshamaileh, Khalid Y. Alsharafa, Tahani J. Hijazin, Yousef Al Hajaya, Ezz Al-Dein Al-Ramamneh

Abstract: Seed germination is a complex physiological process influenced by abiotic stress factors, including temperature, salinity, osmotic stress, heavy metals, and irradiance. Our study demonstrates that high temperatures (≥30°C) and salinity stress (≥100 mM NaCl) negatively affect Lepidium sativum seed germination, primarily by reducing water availability and altering hormone signaling. Protein synthesis and enzymatic activity, particularly β-galactosidase, are significantly impacted by temperature and salt stress. Osmotic stress due to PEG further inhibits germination by delaying water uptake and starch mobilization. Cadmium chloride exposure results in severe inhibition of germination, likely due to impaired protein metabolism, mineral mobilization, and structural modifications in the cell wall. Conversely, irradiance positively influences seed germination by enhancing gibberellin biosynthesis and β-galactosidase activity, which facilitate cell wall remodeling. The results highlight the critical role of hydrolases in mitigating the effects of abiotic stress, suggesting that β-galactosidase activity serves as a key indicator of germination success under stress conditions. Further research is needed to explore the interactions between stress factors, antioxidant defenses, and hormonal regulation in seed germination under environmental constraints.

Keywords: abiotic stresses; acclimation; Lepidium sativum; seed germination; β-galactosidase

Citation: Alshamaileh, W. Z., Alsharafa, Kh. Y., Hijazin, T. J., Hajaya, Yo. Al. & Al-Ramamneh, E. Al-D. (2025). Germination of Lepidium sativum seeds and regulation of beta-galactosidase enzyme production in response to different abiotic factors. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 31(5), 964–975

Date published: 2025-10-28