The effect of NaCl priming on emergence, growth and yield of fenugreek under saline conditions

Abstract

Salinity is considered as a major abiotic stress affecting crop production in arid and semi-arid regions in the world. Poor germination and decrease of seedling growth are major results of poor crop establishment and failure. Many research studies have shown that seed priming is an efficient method for increasing plant growth and yield in saline condition. For this reason, this experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of NaCl priming on the emergence and seedling growth of Tunisian fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) under salinity conditions. Seeds of fenugreek were primed with NaCl (4 g L-1) for 36 h in continuous 25°C. Primed (P) and non-primed (NP) seeds were sown in plastic pots and placed in greenhouse for 4 months. Experiments were conducted using various NaCl concentrations (0, 4, 6, 8 and 10 g L-1). Results showed that emergence percentage of primed seeds was greater than nonprimed seeds. Roots length, plant height, leaf area, fresh and dry weight and yields of plants derived from primed seeds were higher compared with non-primed seeds. Na+ content of plants derived from primed seeds was lower than that of primed ones. In the other side, K+ and Ca2+ content of plants derived from primed seeds was higher compared with plants derived from nonprimed seeds. These results suggest that NaCl priming of fenugreek seeds increased salt tolerance of seedlings by reducing Na+ and promoting K+ and Ca2+ accumulation.