Effect of saline solutions and salt stress on seed germination of some tropical forest tree species

Abstract

The effect of several saline solutions (as given by six salts) and salt stress (as given by 0.1 - 2m sodium chloride solutions) on the germination of seeds of six selected tropical forest tree species was investigated. Saline solutions (0.2m) of the six salts used had highly significant effects on seed germination in most of the tree species. Sodium sulphate (Na2So4) permitted germination in the seeds of Ceiba pentandra and Tectona grandis presoaked in its 0.2m solution for 36 and 48h respectively. The Zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) solution enhanced the germination of seeds of Terminalia ivorensis and Terminalia superba. Solution of Potassium permanganate favoured the germination of seeds of T. grandis, T. ivorensis and T. superba. In general, increase in molar concentration of NaCl adversely affected the germination rate of seeds. Sees of the two Terminalia species could withstand NaCl salt stress. Seeds of T. grandis have high ability to withstand salt stress comparatively.