Effect of different levels of salinity stress on seed germination and early growth of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum L.) seedling

In order to study the effect of different levels of salinity stress on germination indices and early growth of Trigonella foenum L.، an experiment was conducted in agronomy laboratory of Faculty of Agricultural at University of Guilan in 2012. The experiment was arranged base on randomized completely design with four replications. The used treatments were different levels of salinity stress due to NaCl (0، -0. 2، -0. 4، -0. 6، -0. 8، -1، -1. 2، -1. 4، -1. 6 and -1. 8 MPa). Results showed، by increasing of salinity levels، decreased germination percentage، germination speed، germination energy، germination rate index، water percentage of seedling tissue، seedling length، dry and fresh weight of seedling and vigour index significantly. However، the levels of salinity (-0. 2 and -0. 4 MPa) increased dry and fresh weight of seedling in comparing with control by growth stimulation. Moreover، germination rate reduction had increased trend in comparing with control. Results indicated that there was positive significant correlation between percent of germination and other germination indices except germination rate. Generally، the results showed fenugreek seed can tolerate salinity amount until -1. 2 MPa (38. 9 ds/m) in germination time.