Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
Abstract
Salinity is one of the main expanding constraints in lands under cultivation. Therefore, the ability of plants to survive under such a condition is important for ecological distribution of the species and agricultural development. Despite extensive research in this area, there are still many issues associated with salt tolerance of plants. In this research, germination and seedling growth of two native species of Salicornia herbacea and Alhagi persarum were evaluated under different salinity levels. Seeds of these species were treated by different concentrations of NaCl and Na2SO4 in a growth chamber for 45 days. According to the results, germination and seedling growth of both species showed significant differences at in different salinity levels. Up to 200 mM and 150 mM NaCl, no significant differences were recorded for Salicornia herbacea and Alhagi persarum, respectively. In contrast, increment of sodium sulphate up to 100-150 m M, increased seedling growth and germination of Salicornia herbacea. While, a drastic decrease of germination was recorded for Alhagi persarum at 50 mM sodium sulphate. In general, it could be stated that Salicornia herbacea was more resistant to salinity.
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