GERMINATION RESPONSE OF POTENTIAL HALOPHYTE HALOXYLON STOCKSII IN DIFFERENT SALTS AND PHOTOPERIODS

Abstract

The effect of different salts (NaCl, Na2SO4, MgCl2, CaCl2, KCl) on the seed germination of a potential halophytic species Haloxylon stocksii were studied. Germination was carried out in different salinity levels (0, 100, 200, and 300, 400 and 500 mM) at day: night temp/ 30-20 o C in a 12h light/dark photoperiod. Highest percent seeds germinated in distilled water control. Increase in salt concentration decreased the seed germination in all salts treatments. Germination percentage was higher in light treatment as compared to dark. After 20 days an ungerminated seed of saline condition transferred in to non saline condition (water) and the maximum percent recovery was obtained at highest concentrations in all salts treatment.