Salinity induced per cent seed germination and seedling growth of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cv. PAC-3776.

摘要

The adverse effect of salinity (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 EC) on percent seed germination and seedling growth of sunflower (H. annuus cv. PAC-3776) was studied under laboratory conditions. As the concentration of salinity increased, percent seed germination declined. However, the lower level of salinity did not show any adverse effect. At 24 h after sowing, seeds germinated only in the control and salinity level of 5 EC. After 48 h, seed germination was reduced by 15.38% under 5 EC, 38.46% under 10 EC, 79.53% under 15 EC, and 94.92% under 20 EC compared to the control. Seed germination did not occur under 25 EC. After 168 h, germination occurred for all salinity levels. Fresh and dry weights of shoot and root also decreased with increasing salinity level, but the shoots were more affected than the roots. The fresh weight of shoot was lower by 39.75% under 5 EC, 51.80% under 10 EC, 65.46% under 15 EC, 71.88% under 20 EC, and 75.90% under 25 EC compared to control. The fresh weight of root was reduced by 36.95% under 5 EC, 45.65% under 10 EC, 54.34% under 15 EC, 68.47% under 20 EC, and 70.65% under 25 EC relative to the control. The dry weight of shoot was reduced by 3.88% under 5 EC, 6.24% under 10 EC, 8.59% under 15 EC, 18.78% under 20 EC, and 28.66% under 25 EC compared to the control. The dry weight of roots remained the same under 5 EC, but was reduced by 18.37% under 10 EC, 32.63% under 15 EC, 44.88% under 20 EC, and 57.13% under 25 EC.