Effects of chitosan on seed germination and seedling growth of Ziziphus acidojuba

Ziziphus acidojuba seeds were soaked in acetic chitosan solutions with different concentrations (0.05%, 0.10%, 0.15%, 0.20%) for 24 h in comparison with seeds in water. Then these seeds were placed in a germinator (controlled at 25℃ and 8 h/d light) for 15 d. The results showed that the germination rate, seed vigor, α-amylase activity, dehydrogenase activity, POD activity and CAT activity were higher than those of control. The best concentration of acetic chitosan solution was 0.1%. For Z. acidojuba seedlings sprayed with acetic chitosan solutions with four concentrations, their growth, chlorophyll content, soluble sugar content and protein content were higher than those of control. The best concentration of acetic chitosan solution was 0.1%.