Effects of salinity stress on germination properties of Ocimum basilicum seed

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of salinity stress on the germination properties of O. basilicum seed. Seeds were placed in 9-cm Petri dishes. The seeds were germinated in distilled water and different concentrations of NaCl (50, 100, 150, and 200 mM). The number of germinated seeds was measured for twenty days. Germination percentage, germination rate, stem length, seedling length, root/stem length ratio, root fresh weight, stem fresh weight, root dry weight, stem dry weight, and biomass were measured. Germination percentage (p<0.05) and germination rate (p<0.05) were influenced by the treatments. Germination percentage was significantly lower in seeds treated with 200 mM compared with other treatments. Application of salinity showed significant effects on root length (p<0.01), stem length (p<0.01), seedling length (p<0.01), root/stem length ratio (p<0.01), root fresh weight (p<0.05), stem fresh weight (p<0.01), stem dry weight (p<0.01) and biomass (p<0.01). Root length, stem length, seedling length, root/stem length ratio, and stem dry weight were significantly lower in the 200 mM treatment compared with other treatments. In summary, basil seeds could tolerate salinity stress up to 150 mM. The obtained results help farmers with the appropriate production.