EFFECT OF NaCl ON SEED GERMINATION IN FIVE LEGUME CROPS.

Abstract

The seeds of Dolichos bilflorus Roxb., Lens esculenta Moench., Phaseolus aconitifolius Jacq., Phaseolus aureus Roxb., and Trigonella foenum graecum Linn. were germinated under saline conditions at 2.5 to 300 mM levels of NaCl. The germination was studied / reported after every 24 h for five days. The emergence of radicle was considered as the criterion for seed germination. It was observed that the germination remained unaffected in Moth bean (P. aconitifolius) and Mung (P. aureus) at all levels of salinity. On the other hand there was stimulation in germination in Horse gram (D. biflorus), Lentil (L. esculenta) and Fenugreek (T. foenum graecum) at lower salt regimes ( up to 50 mM NaCl). However, it was inhibited due to higher levels of salt concentration in the medium. From the results it appears that fenugreek is salt sensitive while Phaseolus species are tolerant to saline conditions during germination. The horse gram and lentil seem to be moderately salt tolerant.