The Effect of Salinity on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Triticale Genotypes

A factorial experiment with forty one triticale genotypes and two wheat cultivars (‘Kavir’ bread wheat cultivar and ‘Dipper-6’ durum wheat cultivar as salt-tolerant genotypes) as the first factor and six salinity levels of 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 percent (0, 85, 170, 255, 340 and 425 mM) of NaCl as the second factor was conducted. Results indicated that the increase of salinity level has lead to a significant decrease in germination percentage, number, weight and length of roots and number and weight of shoots of the germinated seeds. There was a high and significant genotypic difference in germination-related traits of seeds. Moreover, interaction of salinity × genotype was highly significant in the mentioned traits. ‘Kavir’ cultivar of bread wheat and ‘Dipper-6’ cultivar of durum wheat were less salt-tolerant compared to triticale genotypes at the germination stage. The Caracal, Prego, ‘Lasko’ and ‘Zorro’ genotypes were least affected by different salinity levels compared to control treatment and hence could be suggested as salt-tolerant triticale genotypes at the germination stage. On the other hand, ‘Pollmer’, ‘Alamos-83’ and ‘Magnat’ genotypes were most affected at different salinity levels compared to control treatment and hence could be suggested as salt-sensitive triticale genotypes at the germination stage for further studies. Overall, salinity stress developed by 170 to 425 Mm NaCl in triticale and the increment of salts lead to a regular decrease of germination and seedling growth variables.