Effect of salt stress on germination and initial development of Ruta graveolens L.

Abstract

Salinization occurring through irrigation on arable land has been a growing concern worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the germination and initial development of common rue subjected to different saline concentrations. Two salts (sodium chloride and calcium chloride) and five saline concentrations (zero, -0.1, -0.2, -0.3, and -0.4 MPa) were utilized. Germination tests, first germination count, seedling length and dry weight were employed to assess seed responses to the studied variations. Based on the results, the excess of salt reduces the germination percentage and the initial development of common rue seedlings, regardless of the substance used for stress induction.