Effect of seed priming by nano-iron and nano-potassium chelated on seed germination and growth of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) under salinity stress

Seed germination is an important stage in the most plants and salinity tolerance is important at this stage. In order to evaluate the application of nano-iron and nano-potassium chelated on germination and growth traits of black cumin (Nigella sativa) under salinity stress, a factorial experiment was conducted based on completely randomized design with three replications in Horticultural Sciences Laboratory at Islamic Azad University - Miyaneh Branch. The first factor was seed pretreatment with nano-iron and nano-potassium chelated at three levels of 1000, 2000 and 3000 ppm and distilled water as control, and the second factor was four salinity levels in 0, 25, 50, 75 mM NaCl. The results showed that high levels of NaCl decreased significantly germination indices and seedling growth. Also, application of nano-potassium chelate had more positive effect on germination and seedling growth of Nigella sativa in stress and non-saline conditions than nano-iron chelate. By using nano-potassium chlorate alone or under salinity stress, germination indices and seedling growth showed more efficiency. In general, pretreatment of nano-potassium chelate can be used to reduce the adverse effects of salinity on seed germination.