Effect of Priming Treatments on Seed Germination Traits of Salsola rigida Populations

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

2 Research and Education Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Semnan Province

3 استادیار دانشکده کویرشناسی

10.22124/jms.2025.9414

Abstract

In arid and semi-arid regions, soil salinity is one of the most critical factors limiting seed germination and plant growth. The application of techniques such as seed priming can play a significant role in enhancing the germination capacity of native salt-tolerant plants. This study aimed to investigate the effects of seed priming with sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium nitrate (KNO₃) solutions on the germination characteristics and early growth of Salsola rigida. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD) with NaCl and KNO₃ treatments at three concentrations (50, 100, and 150 mM), along with distilled water as a control. Seeds from six different populations were collected, disinfected, and subjected to moist stratification prior to priming treatments. Laboratory experiments were performed using a germinator. Measured germination indices included germination percentage, seedling length, seed vigor index, cumulative germination speed, and mean germination time. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 27). The results indicated that seed priming with NaCl and KNO₃, particularly at concentrations of 100 and 150 mM NaCl, significantly improved the germination traits and early growth of various Salsola rigida populations. The 100 mM NaCl treatment in population 240 increased the germination percentage to 70% and the cumulative germination speed to 17.40. The highest mean seedling length was observed under the 150 mM NaCl treatment in population 240 (23.4 mm) and population 106 (24.47 mm). The seed vigor index for population 240 with 100 and 150 mM NaCl treatments was recorded at 1337 and 1332, respectively. These results demonstrate that priming not only increases seed germination but also strengthens seedling growth and vigor. Therefore, it can be used as a practical and low-cost method to improve the establishment success of salt-tolerant plants in arid and semi-arid regions. Furthermore, intra-specific population diversity plays a crucial role in the plant's ability to cope with stresses and pests.

Keywords

References

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Iranian Journal of Seed Sciences and Research
Volume 12, Issue 3
October 2025
Pages 18-35

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