Seed germination and salinity tolerance in plant species growing on saline wastelands

Abstract

Seven plant species including three chenopods:Suaeda fruticosa, Kochia indica, Atriplex crassifolia and four grasses:Sporobolus arabicus, Cynodon dactylon, Polypogon monspeliensis, Desmostachya bipinnata, varied greatly in their seed germination and growth responses to soil moisture or salinity. The germination percentage of each species was significantly lower at soil moisture level of 25 % of water holding capacity than at the levels ranging from 50 to 125 %. Increase in salinity resulted in gradual decrease in seed germination of each species. Growth responses of species to salinity varied widely from significant decrease with slight salinity to stimulation up to salinity levels of 20 dS m-2. Higher K+Na+ratios in plant shoots of all species compared to that in the root medium indicated selective K+uptake. Higher tolerance in chenopod species seems to be attendant on their ability for internal ion regulation.