Effects of Salt Stress on Early Seedling Development and Germination in Some Root Vegetables

Abstract

The challenge of increasing soil salinity poses a serious problem for agricultural production and food security worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the effects of salt stress on germination and early seedling stage of carrot, red radish, black radish and red beetroot seeds. During the research, the development of seeds under different salt levels (25 mM, 50 mM, 75 mM, 100 mM, 125 mM, and 150 mM) was investigated and parameters such as germination rate, velocity and vigor, salt tolerance index, shoot and root length, shoot and root fresh and dry weight were evaluated at seed and early seedling stages. As a result of the study, carrot seeds exhibited no germination at 150 mM salt concentration, while red beetroot and radish varieties showed 36.67% and 86.67% germination, respectively. Consequently, knowledge of these processes and investigation of germination and early seedling performance of these crops under salt conditions can contribute significantly to sustainable agricultural productivity and food security in areas affected by soil salinization.