A comparative study on the effect of salt stress on seed germination and early seedling growth of two Hibiscus species

Abstract

Hibiscus cannabinus and Hibiscus sabdariffa are two economically important plants from Malvaceae family. The germination and growth of plant is an important phonological stage, where the plants survival depends to it, especially in the saline conditions. Salinity tolerance in the arid and semiarid regions is one of the most important factors that effect on the agricultural production. The ability of seeds to germinate at high salt concentration in the soil is crucial importance for the survival and perpetuation of many plant species. Present study was carried out to test the effects of different salinity levels on germination and early seedling growth of Hibiscus cannabinus and Hibiscus sabdariffa, seedlings collected from different populations. The experiment was carried out using completely randomized design in three replication. Experimental treatment includes four levels of sodium chloride concentrations (-0.05MPa,-0.15MPa,-0.30MPa and-0.49MPa). The results showed rate of germination, radicle, hypocotyl and plumule length, moisture content, fresh wet and dry seedling weights and seed viability index were higher in control treatment when compared to treated seeds. At-0.15MPa and more concentration, germination decreased significantly. This reduction in germination indicates that seeds of Hibiscus cannabinus showed more resistant to salt stress when compared to Hibiscus sabdariffa.