Effect of Salinity Levels on Seed Germination in Three Salsola Species

The effect of salinity stress on seed germ ination in 3 rangeland species of S rigida, Sirichteri,Sidendroides and to determine the salt tolerant species was investigated in this study. All three species are suitable for grazing as well as reclamation of arid and semi arid lands. This research was conducted using a factorial experiment based on CRD design with 4 replications. Experimental treatments included a combination of three spec ies along with 13 salinity levels of 0,50,100,150, 200 ,250 ,300 ,350 ,400 ,450 ,500 ,550 and 600 mM concentrations. The results indicated that Sdendroides and Srigida were more tolerant than Sirichteri. While Sidendroides and Sirigida were tolerant to 600 mM, Srichleri was tolerant only up to 350 mM. With increas e in salinity germination percentage and
germination rate were reduced with the maximum germination occurring at the lowest salinity level.
Increasing salt concentration up to 200 mM did not significantly decrease radicle length in
S.dendroides, but in Srigida with an increase in salt concentration (up to 50 mM) radicle length increased. Salinity increase in Sirichteri cauased decrease in radicle length . So Srichleri is shown to be more sensitive to high salinity levels at germination stage as compared to the other two.