Abstract:

The influence of different concentrations of Na2SeO3 on seed germination of common vegetable seeds and
selenium distribution in different plant organs were analyzed. Seed germination experiments and pot experiments were
conducted. The total selenium content was determined by hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS),
and organic selenium was analyzed by the dialysis method. The results showed that the germination potential, germination
rates, simple vigor indices, and germination indices of bok choy, cowpea and mung bean increased initially, followed by
a decrease with an increase in Na2SeO3 concentration, but noticeable differences were observed among individuals. Mung
beans treated with 2.5 mg/L Na2SeO3 could achieve the best viability, which decreased at higher Na2SeO3 concentrations.
Total selenium contents in early-ripening Chinese cabbage, tomato, capsicum, eggplant and bok choy showed an obvious
upward trend with increasing concentration of Na2SeO3, and their abilities to enrich selenium were in the descending order
of bok choy > Chinese cabbage > eggplant > capsicum > tomato. Selenium was distributed significantly differently in
various plant organs of eggplant, capsicum and tomato, with organic selenium accounting for no less than 50% of the total
selenium amount. These results will provide a theoretical basis for screening optimum concentration of Na2SeO3 and suitable
vegetables for selenium enrichment.

Key words: selenium concentration, vegetable, germination index (GI), organic selenium