Abstract: This research concerns the most desirable temperature for selecting chilling-tolerant cucumber at the stage of germination, and the effects of low temperature on germination. Ten cucumber breeding lines were tested for germination and the activities of peroxidase and its isozymes at different temperatures. The results showed that there were significant genetic differences in germination at 13-15℃. The two lines that had the best germination at 150℃ were significantly different in germination at 13℃. The chilling-tolerant lines could be distinguished further at 13℃. The results suggested that the desirable temperature for selecting chilling-tolerant cucumber at germination was 13-15℃. Peroxidase activity was reduced by low temperature, and increased after germination at both 15℃ and 25℃, The two breeding lines. with the best germination at low temperature had an earlier peak in peroxidase activity than other lines. The breeding lines were classified into three groups according to the time of peak peroxidase activity. In addition, complicated changes in peroxidase isozymes occurred during. germination. The number of isozyme bands and their intensities were reduced by low temperature.

Key words: Cucumber, Low temperature germination, POD, Isozyme

CLC Number: 

• S642.201