Evaluation of germination in chia as a medicinal-oil seed plant under environmental stresses

In order to evaluate the response from chia (Salvia hispanica L.) to temperature, under abiotic stresses (salinity and drought) three separate experiments was carried out in the laboratory of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at University of Khuzestan in four replications in 2018. Treatments included temperature (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 °C), salinity (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, and 400 mM), and drought stress (-0.2, -0.4, -0.6, -0.8, -1, 1.2, and 1.4 MPa). In response to temperature, chia proved to be capable of germinating in the range of 10 to 40 °C. The base temperature, optimum temperature, and ceiling temperature were predicted to be 6, 28, and 44°C respectively. Germination percentage and germination rate decreased in response to salinity and at salinity of 400 mM, germination was completely inhibited. Salinity reduction of 50% in germination percentage and germination rate obtained at salinity 349 and 236 mM. 50% reduction in germination percentage and germination rate was observed at -0.92 and -0.79 MPa of drought stress. According to x50 parameter, chia is resistant to salinity and drought stresses. In conditions of saline soils and drought stress, it can be recommended for cultivation to farmers.