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In order to study the effects of seed nitrogen content and biofertilizer priming on germination indices of wheat seeds under salinity stress, a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with four replications was conducted in 2009. Experimental factors consisted of: (1) the application of different nitrogen fertilizer rates (0, 55, 110 and 165 kg ha 71 N) on parent plants; (2) priming of achieved seeds by biofertilizers (Nitragin, Biophosphorus and distilled water); and (3) different levels of salinity produced by NaCl (0, 70.4, 70.8 and 71.2 MPa). Germination percentage, germination rate, mean germination time, germination index, radicle and plumule length, radicle and plumule dry weight and radicle number per seedling were measured. Nitrogen application increased seed nitrogen content in parent plants. All germination indices decreased with increasing in salinity levels. Biofertilizer priming, especially Nitragin, had a positive effect on germination percentage, radicle number and radicle and plumule length in most salinity levels. The highest values for germination factors were related to achieved seeds from parent plants that were treated with 110 kg ha 71 N. Overall, application of middle levels of N fertilizer (55 and 110 kg ha 71 N) on parent plants combined with seed priming with Nitragin biofertilizer improved the germination indices of wheat under salinity stress.

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