Effect of Vermicompost Extract on Germination Characteristics of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) Under Salinity Stress

This study was performed to investigate interactions of different levels of vermicompost extract and salinity stress on germination characteristics of chickpea seedlings. The factorial experiment was conducted in completely randomized design with three replications. Concentrations of vermicompost extract (0, 5, 10 and 20 volumetric percentage) and salinity levels (0, 30, 60 and 90 mM NaCl). Results showed that there were significant differences (P‌ 0.01) between vermicompost extract and salinity levels regarding germination percentage, radicle length, and shoot dry weight. Salinity stress with 90 (Mm NaCl) level significantly decreased all of the traits compared to the non-stress condition. Effects of vermicompost extract and salinity stress were significant differences (P‌ 0.05) on the germination rate index, radicle length, radicle dry weight and consumed endosperm. vermicompost extract at concentrations of 5 volumetric percentage in moderate salinity stress (30 mM NaCl) and non-salinity stress caused a significant increase (P‌ 0.01) in radicle length, radicle dry weigh and consumed endosperm compared to control