Abstract :
ABSTRACT: Germination is a critical stage in the life cycle of plants. Successful establishment of plants largely depends on successful germination. This study investigated the effects of salicylic acid (0, 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 mM) on germination, germination rate, seed stamina index, hypocothyl length, radical length, seedling fresh and dry weight of Fenel (Foeniculum vulgare) under different water potentials (0, -2, -4 and -6 bar) induced by NaCl. The experimental design employed was a factorial arrangement based on completely randomized design with three replicates and performed at the laboratory of agriculture faculty of Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran, from October 2011 to March 2011. All traits responded negatively with lowering water potential but using salicylic acid ameliorated the harmful effect of induced stress on measured traits. The concentration of 0.25 and 0.5 mM of salicylic acid on measured traits was more effective compared with the other levels. Therefore, seed priming with salicylic acid could be a suitable tool for improving germination characteristics of Fenel under low water potential
