Determination of germination and seedling characteristics of common grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) genotypes under salt stress

Abstract

Objective: In this study, the aim was to determine the germination and seedling development responses of common grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) genotypes under salt stress and to identify genotypes sensitive or tolerant to salinity. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted at the Field Crops Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, Siirt University, under controlled conditions at 25±1°C. The plant material of the study consists of 2 cultivars and 8 genotypes. The study investigated the doses of NaCl at 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mM. The laboratory experiment was conducted by a completely randomized factorial design with four replications. Results: The increase in salt levels significantly (p<0.01) affected the germination and seedling characteristics of grasspea genotypes. It was determined that common grasspea genotypes were significantly affected by increasing salt concentrations with regard to germination parameters starting from the 50 mM salt dose. Regarding seedling parameters, grasspea genotypes were affected by salt concentrations beyond 50 mM in relation to seedling length and seedling dry weight, while other seedling parameters were negatively impacted even at the lowest salt dose. Conclusion: When all examined parameters were considered together, the Sel 668 genotype stood out for its tolerance to salinity and its performance in germination and seedling development.