The effects of methyl jasmonate, ethylene and their interaction on seed germination and some chemical parameters of canola (Brassica napus L.) Seedling

Jasmonates (Jasmonic acid and its methyl ester, methyl jasmonate) are a new group of plant growth regulator that involve in many morphology andphysiological processes and have role of defense in plants. In this research the effects of methyl jasmonate and ethylene on seed germination and the effect of methyl jasmonate on lipid peroxidation and content of chlorophyll, carotenoids and protein were investigated in canola seedling. Seeds of Brasssica napus L. were sown in plastic pots containing sand, clay and peat in proportion of 1:1:2. After 13 days, seedlings were sprayed with methyl jasmonate (100 µM) for 3 days then treated with ethylene (50, 70 ppm) for 40 hours. Control plants were sprayed with distilled water only. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Mstatc and averages were compared by LSD test. The results indicated that methyl jasmonate inhibited seed germination but ethylene induced seed germination. Our results also showed that ethylene neutralized effects of methyl jasmonate on inhibition of seed germination and methyl jasmonate mitigated ethylene-induced lipid peroxidation, revealing that less oxidative damage occurred in this group. Chlorophyll and protein content were significantly decreased under ethylene treatment but methyl jasmonate reverse these effects.Results suggested that methyl jasmonate inhibited seed germination but it improved seedling growth under ethylene treatment.