Vermicompost humates as a salinity mitigator in the germination of basil

Abstract

This study determined the effect of vermicompost humates as salinity mitigator in germination and morphometric characteristics of basil varieties seedlings, tolerant and sensitive to salinity, subjected to vermicompost humates diluted 1/60 (v/v) and 0, 50 and 100 mM NaCl in a completely randomized design with four replications. The rate and percentage of germination, root length, shoot height, root and shoot fresh and dry-weight were measured. The varieties showed differential response, highlighting Napoletano as the most tolerant. Vermicompost humates showed biostimulant effects on variables evaluated, allowing that tolerant variety to improve germination and growth, and increasing the salinity tolerance of the sensitive variety.