Effect of Salt Stress on Germination and Early Seedling Growth of Savory (Satureja hortensis)

Soil salinity is one of the most important constraints that limit crop production in arid and semi arid regions. Seed germination is a critical stage in the history of plants and salt tolerance during germination is crucial for the establishment of plants that grow in saline soils. This research was carried out in order to test the effects of different salinity levels on germination and early growth of savory (Satureja hortensis). The experiment was carried out using completely randomized design in four replication in 2011 Zabol University laboratory Iran. Experimental treatment includes 4 levels of NaCl concentration (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM). Result showed that the most percentage and speed of germination, plumule length, radicle length and heaviest wet and dry seedling weight referred to control treatment. In 150 mM and more concentration, germination decreased significantly. This reduction in germination indicates this plant’s extreme insensitivity to salinity, so it isn’t advisable for cultivating in salinity soil. All the result data analyzed by SAS software and comparison of means had been done with Duncan test in 0.05% probable level.

germination, NaCl, salinity stress, seedling, Satureja hortensis