DefinePK

Abstract

Crop plant germination and growth adversely affected through salt stress. Canola seed germination and seedling growth in saline condition was evaluated in a laboratory experiment. In sterilized petri plates seeds of two canola varieties (Bulbul 2000 and Rainbow) were sown. Saline condition was employed through sodium chloride solutions (50 mM, 75 mM, 100 mM, 125 mM and 150 mM) and distilled water control was sustained for comparison. Canola seed germination and seedling growth related attribute data were recorded. Results show that canola varieties were statistically significant (P<0.005) responses to saline conditions. Sodium chloride concentration gradual increase reduces canola seed final germination percentage, germination index, mean daily germination and seedling vigor index in both varieties. However, the high salt level (100, 125, 150 mm) significantly reduces germination parameters of seeds of Bulbul 2000. High salt levels significantly affect the root length, shoot length, fresh, and dry weight and total chlorophyll content. Rainbow show better germination and seedling growth in high salt levels. Therefore, they possibly will tolerate moderate levels of salt.
Keywords: Salt stress; Canola; Seedling growth; Chlorophyll content
http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2015.43016