Study of lanthanum on seed germination and growth of rice.

A study of lanthanum nitrate on the seed germination and the growth of rice was conducted. The results of this experiment indicate that soaking in a proper concentration of La(NO3)3 could accelerate the germination of the rice seeds, significantly increase seed vigor and chlorophyll contents, and improve root growth. Because during the soaking stage with La(NO3)3 the absorbed water and imbibition process of the rice seeds was quickened, the plasma membrane permeability of the seeds was increased, O2 and H2O were easier to get into the cell, and the respiratory rate was enhanced. During the germination stage, La(NO3)3 could enhance the activities of alpha-amylase, proteinase, lipase, and other hydrolytic enzymes and the contents of plant hormones, such as IAA, GAs, CTK, and so forth, except ABA contents, changed little.