Effects of ferulic and p-coumaric acids on canola (Brassica napus L. cv. Hyola 401) seed germination

Soils contain substances such as cinnamic acid derivatives that, in sufficient concentration, affect seed germination, root elongation, biomass and, consequently, the seedling growth. A characteristic of these effects is the variability among species which does not have a defined rule that applies to all plants. Although plant physiological responses under the action of these compounds have been shown in several species, no attention has been given to their effects on canola (Brassica napus L. cv. Hyola 401) seed. The objective of this research was to investigate how ferulic (FA) and p-coumaric (p-CA) acids influence canola seed germination. Data showed that neither compounds affected germination percentage in concentrations up to 1.0 mM. Above this concentration, they affected seed germination and cotyledon and root weights by suppressing the primary root elongation with the more significant effect caused by p-CA.