The role of temperature on the germination activity of leguminous crops exposed to saline conditions

Abstract

Germination is an important starting point of plant life. Abiotic stresses during the germination stage in seeds can threaten the development process of a plant species. Abiotic factors such as temperature and salt concentration influence the germination process of various crop seeds, including leguminous species. The aim of this study is to determine the germination rate and seedling growth of leguminous cover crops under two different temperatures and four levels of salt stress. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), red clover (Trifolium pratense), and chickpea (Cicer arietinum) were studied in this in vitro trial. The study results showed that the increase in sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration suppressed the growth of the germinated seedlings. At the same time, the increase in temperature reduced the germination rate of red clover and chickpea at higher salt concentrations. The data also showed a significant relationship between salt concentration and temperature on shoot and radicle growth in all three leguminous species. These data may benefit farmers and growers trying to cultivate these crops in unfavorable conditions.