SEED GERMINATION AND RECOVERY RESPONSES OF SUAEDA HETEROPHYLLA TO ABIOTIC STRESSES

Seed germination and recovery responses of an annual C3 halophyte Suaeda heterophylla (Kar. & Kir.) Bunge were investigated under iso-osmotic concentrations (0,-0.46,-0.92,-1.38,-1.84, and-2.30 MPa) of NaCl and PEG-6000. These experiments were conducted at different temperature (15/25, 20/30and 25/35oC) and photoperiod (12h light: 12h dark and 24h dark) regimes. Highest seed germination was observed in distilled water, moderate temperature (20/30oC) and 12h photoperiod. Increasing concentrations of NaCl and PEG-6000 inhibited seed germination at all temperature and photoperiod regimes tested and this inhibition was higher in NaCl. Recovery of germination and seed viability were also lower in NaCl, indicating greater role of ionic toxicity rather than an osmotic effect