The Effect of Salinity on Seed Germination and Early Seedling Growth of Three Finger Millet ( Eleusine coracana L. Gaerth) Varieties

Abstract

Salinity is one of the major environmental factors that limit plant growth and development. The salt affected areas around the world also in rapid expansion. Therefore, it is important to determine effect of salt on plant growth and development. Germination is the first stage of plant life cycle confronted with soil salinity. Therefore a laboratory experiment was carried out to test the effects of different salinity levels on germination and early seedling growth of three finger millet varieties (Ravi, Ravana, Oshada). The experiment was conducted using completely randomized design with three replicates per treatment. Experimental treatment included 7 levels of salt concentration (0,2,4,6, 8 ,1 0 ,1 2 mS/cm). Results showed that the salinity stress levels and varieties have significant effect on germination, shoot length, root length and seed vigor (P<0.01). Moreover interaction of variety and salinity on shoot length, root length and seed vigor were also significant (P<0.01). Highest germination percentage was observed in 6 mS/cm salt concentration showing moderate salt tolerance. Moreover, highest shoot lengths were observed in 2 mS/cm salinity level. However, root lengths were decreased with increasing salt concentrations. In 2 mS/cm salt level highest vigor index was observed. Variety Ravana showed highest performances than other two varieties in all salinity levels. These results show that these three finger millet verities are moderately tolerant to salt but further studies on growth and development of finger millet under saline conditions need to be tested.