INFLUENCE OF L-ASCORBIC-ACID ON POSTANOXIC GROWTH AND SURVIVAL OF CHICKPEA SEEDLINGS (CICER-ARIETINUM L)

Chickpea seedlings show diminished survival and reduction in growth when kept under anoxia for more than 48 h. Treatment with L-ascorbic acid before re-exposure to air after varying periods of anoxia shows that this anti-oxidant can improve seedling growth and survival during the post-anoxic recovery period. Comparisons of growth during the recovery period with and without ascorbic acid treatments, as well as observing the effects of ascorbic acid on K+ leakage from roots, suggest that post-anoxic injury is a significant component of the damage that is caused to chickpea seedlings as a result of prolonged anaerobic incubation.