Evaluation of germination and growth characteristics of guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) genotypes under salinity stress condition

Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.), is an annual plant of the legume family. The gum of this plant, which is actually extracted from the seed endosperm, is used in various industries. Germination and seedling growth indices are among the most important indicators for selecting salinity tolerant genotypes. In this study, the effects of 4 salinity levels (such as: 0, 80, 150 and 220 mM) on germination characteristics and preliminary seedling growth (including percentage and rate of germination, seed vigor, etc.) of ten genotypes and guar seed selection were investigated. The results showed that salinity treatment, genotype and interactions of genotype × salinity on seed vigor index, root length, shoot length, seedling length were significant at 1% probability level. Mean comparisons showed showed that RGC-1008 had the highest percentage and germination rate and Saravan had the lowest percentage and germination rate. Mean comparison of salinity levels showed that the control had the highest (2.23cm) and the 150 mM treatment has the lowest shoot length (1.47cm). RGC-1038 and Bampour with 395.3 and 414.73 showed the highest seed vigor respectively, and Saravan with 68.32 showed the lowest seed vigor. In general, RGC-1008 can be a suitable candidate to cultivate in salinity stress after affecting other agronomic treatments.