The objective of this work was to compare the effect of different priming osmotic agents and durations on melon germination in: 1) low temperature stress; 2) saline stress; and 3) low temperature and saline stress. The osmotic agents were polyethylene glycol 6000, KNO3+K3PO4, CaCl2 and NaCl, with -1.5 MPa osmotic potential. Priming durations were 3 and 6 days (d). Germination percentage (GP) and mean germination time (MGT) were measured. At 12°C the best GP was 14% with CaCl2/3-d, without germination in control. At 25°C the best GP was 100% with CaCl2/3-d. MGT was reduced one day. At -0.7 MPa GP was 100% with CaCl2/3-d and NaCl 3d. At -1.0 MPa the best GP were 46 and 50% for 3d with NaCl and CaCl2respectively without germination in control treatment. At 12°C and -1.0 MPa the best GP were CaCl2/3-d and CaCl2/3-d (14 and 10% respectively). It is concluded that at 12°C, the increase in GP would not justify the use of priming. At 25°C priming increased GP and reduced MGT. At -0.7 MPa priming increased germination, while at -1.0 MPa the increase is not agronomical considerable. At 12°C and -1.0 MPa the increase of germination is not agronomical important.
The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of different osmotic agents and priming durations on the germination and initial growth of melon in salinity. The osmotic agents were NaCl and CaCl 2 and durations 2 and 4 days. First a response curve of germination to salinity was made. After priming the seeds were placed to germinate in a saline medium (14 dS m -1 ). The germination percentage was determined. The two treatments with the best results (NaCl and CaCl 2 2 days in both salts) were selected to evaluate the initial growth of the plants in salinity. It was sown in pots, irrigated with nutrient solution and 60 mM NaCl. The germination was reduced to 50% with 14 dS m -1 and inhibited with 22 dS m -1 . The best germination was achieved with NaCl and CaCl 2 2 days with 99 and 94% respectively. Both treatments showed an increase in growth parameters and chlorophyll content.
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