Abstract :
Triginella foenum-graecum, is commonly known as methi or fenugreek. It is a cool season crop, cultivated for its leaves and seeds. Salinity exists naturally in arid and semiarid regions of the world. Under saline conditions, crop yield is reduced hampering agricultural productivity. The effect of different salinity levels on germination and early seedling growth of Triginella foenum-graecum were studied. Seeds were placed for germination and the seedlings were allowed to grow for seven days at different levels of NaCl salinity (0mM to 100mM). Though the lower concentrations of NaCl (upto 40mM) did not affect percentage germination, the germination was found to be delayed. At higher
salinity levels, inhibitory effect on germination was recorded to an extent that seeds did not germinate at 80mM and above concentrations of NaCl. Gradual decrease in root length, shoot length, fresh weight and dry weight of the seedlings was observed with increasing concentrations of NaCl in the growth
medium.
Keyword :
Germination; NaCl; Salinity; Triginella foenum-graecum.