Seed Germination Response of Rapid‐CyclingBrassica oleraceaGrown Under Increasing Sodium Selenate

Breeding plants to be more efficient at micronutrient accumulation is a proposed strategy for fighting worldwide malnutrition of humans. Selection for increased selenium (Se) in Brassica oleracea L. is possible. However, when present at high levels, micronutrients such as Se can affect seed germination and subsequently hamper breeding efforts. The objectives of this study were: (1) to evaluate the accumulation of Se in seeds of B. oleracea; and (2) to determine effects that Se accumulation may have on seed germination. Plants of a rapid‐cycling B. oleracea population were grown in nutrient solutions with sodium selenate (Na2SeO4) concentrations up to 7 mg L−1 (2.93 mg Se L−1). Seeds and leaves were harvested from the selenized plants and analyzed for Se content using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Germination percentage and rate were determined by sowing seeds in moistened towels, placing them in an incubator at 21°C, and observing radicle emergence. Selenium accumulated in the seeds, but a...