The Effect of Salt Stress on the Germination and Seedling Growth Parameters in Birdsfoot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.)

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the response of birdsfoot trefoil to salt stress during germination and seedling growth. The seeds of birdsfoot trefoil (Sarıyıldız variety) was used as material. In the study; 6 different doses of NaCl (pure water (control), 250 ppm, 750 ppm, 2500 ppm, 5000 ppm, 10000 ppm) was applied to birdsfoot trefoil seeds during germination and emergence. Germination experiment was carried out in darkness (20±2 °C) in the petri dishes according to the completely randomized design with 4 replications. Observations were made every day at the same time, seeds with radicle length exceeding 2 mm were considered germinated. According to the results of the research, salt concentrations in many features in terms of germination and seedling development were statistically significant. Increased salt concentrations negatively affected germination and seedling growth. In terms of all the properties examined the lowest values were obtained in 10000 ppm application.