Effect of Osmopriming on Germination Indices of Salinity-Affected Seeds of Pinus eldarica Medw

To answer this question that if osmopriming improve germination indices in salinity-affected seeds of Pinus eldarica Medw., a factorial experiment in randomized completely design was carried out with three replications. Osmotic treatments were applied in 5 levels (-2, -4, -6 and -8 bar for 72 hours and non-primed) by polyethylene glycol (PEG) and salinity treatments in 8 levels (0, 40, 80, 120, 160, 200, 240 and 280 mM) by sodium chloride. The results showed that osmopriming, salinity and their interaction had significant effect on seed germination indices. Germination of non-primed seeds ceased in salinity stress higher than 160 mM, but primed seeds were able to germinate in 280 mM. In all salinity levels, primed seeds (particularly, -2 bar) had highest germination speed, germination energy and vigor index and lower variation for relative germination percentage, showing the positive effect of osmopriming technique on improving germination indices in salinity-affected seeds of Pinus eldarica.