Effects of Seed Soaking in Choline Chloride Solution on the Physiological Characteristics of the Cucumber Seedlings

The effects of seed soaking of four CC solutions in concentrations of 50,100,200,400 mg/L on the physiological characteristics of the cucumber seedlings were studied. The results showed that the germination rates of the cucumber seeds treated with the concentrations of 50～200 mg/L CC were significantly promoted; but were lowed when 400 mg/L.The fresh weights and dry biomass of the cucumber plants and the content of the soluble sugar of the cucumber leaves increased with the increasing of CC concentration of 50～200 mg/L, but decreased with the increasing CC concentration of 200～400 mg/L. Chlorophyll concentration was enhanced with the increasing of CC concentration. Compared to the control, cucumber leaves overall soluble protein content and peroxidase (POD) activity were also significantly higher, 100 and 200 mg/L being better CC concentration. It is showed that CC could improve the development of cucumber seedling roots to increase the accumulation of material and promote the growth of plants, especially 200 mg/L.