Effects of various salts on the germination of three perennial salt marsh species

Abstract

We studied the germination responses of Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, Juncus acutus and Schoenus nigricans to saline stress caused by different salt types. The germination percentage and mean time to germination data were obtained by incubating seeds for 30 d in 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5% saline solutions of NaCl, MgCl2, MgSO4 and Na2SO4 at 30/20 °C and with a 12 h photoperiod. A. macrostachyum was the most tolerant species to salinity during the germination (65% in 2% NaCl). S. nigricans showed the lowest germination (none germinated in salt and only 26% in distilled water). J. acutus showed intermediate behaviour between the two above species, its germination being inhibited by high salt concentrations. The sulphates had less inhibitory effect than the equivalent chloride concentrations.