Effect of salinity stress on the germination of safflower seeds (Carthamuse tinctorius L. cv. Poymar)

Salinity decreases seed germination due to reduction of osmotic potential, production of toxic ions and changing in the equilibrium of nutrients. In order to study the effect of salinity from different salts (NaCl and CaCl2) on the germination of safflower (Carthamuse tinctorius L.) seeds two separate experiments conducted based on the completely randomized design at the laboratory conditions using seven concentrations of NaCl or CaCl2 as treatments with three replications. Salt concentrations were 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 g lit-1. Percent and rate of germination, length, fresh and dry weights of radicle and plumule were measured. Results showed that salinity decreased all the studied traits and radicle was more sensitive to salinity stress than plumule. Salinity resulted from NaCl had the greater negative effect on the seedling characteristics than CaCl2 salinity.