Effect of cerium on seed germination and early seedling growth of wheat

The effect of various concentrations of three species of cerium was studied on seed germination and early seedling growth of Triticum aestivum L. Seeds were germinated on moist filter papers added with 0.1, 0.5, 2.5, 12.5 and 62.5 Hg g' cerium as cerium chloride, cerium sulphate and cerium nitrate and observations were made on seed germination, shoot- root length, fresh and dry weight. Lower concentrations of cerium species significantly increased shoot-root growth and relative yield of seedlings. Higher concentrations (12.5 and 62.5 Hg g) proved to be toxic for seedling growth. The root growth was affected more adversely than shoots. Though germination speed was affected, ultimate germination was always 100 %. The results of this study indicate that low levels/ concentrations of cerium are beneficial for the test plants.