Influence of seed nitrogen content and biofertilizer priming on wheat germination in salinity stress condition

Abstract

In order to study the effects of seed nitrogen content and biofertilizers priming on germination indices of wheat seeds under salinity stress a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with four replications was conducted in 2009. Experimental factors consisted of: 1- application of different nitrogen fertilizer rates (0, 55, 110, and 165 kg ha-1 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, -0.4, -0.8 and -1.2 MPa). The 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 by increasing in salinity levels. Biofertilizer priming especially Nitragin had a positive effect on germination percentage, Accepted Manuscript Downloaded by [Ferdowsi University] at 11:41 09 May 2012 radicle number and radicle and plumule length in most salinity levels. The highest amount of germination factors was related to achieved seeds from parent plants that were treated by 110 kg ha-1 N. Overall, application of middle levels of N fertilizer (55 and 110 kg ha-1 N) on parent plants combined with seed priming by Nitragin biofertilizer improved the germination indices of wheat under salinity stress.