Influence of salinization on seeds germination of the fodder semi-shrub of the eastern saltwort (Salsola orientalis S.G. Gmel.)

FWRC FPA, the Moscow region, 141055 Lobnya, Russia

^* Corresponding author: darplant@list.ru

Abstract

Eastern saltwort (Salsola orientalis S. G. Gmel.) belongs to the goosefoot family (Chenopodiaceae Vent.), the genus Salsola L., a semi-shrub with 25-70 cm high with fleshy leaves. It is distributed on saline sandy loam and stony soils from plains to low mountains. It is widely used to restore productivity of degraded natural pastures in arid regions of Russia and Central Asia countries. It is characterized by good palatability, nutritional value, exceptional resistance to salt stress, drought and other adverse environmental conditions. The objective of the study is to find out the effect of different salt concentrations on the germination of eastern saltwort seeds. The influence of various types of salinization on the germination of eastern saltwort seeds in concentrations was tested (0.2; 0.4; 0.6; 0.8; 1.0; 1.2; 1.4; 1.6; 1.8 and 2.0% to the absolutely dry mass of sand): chloride, sulphate, sulphate-chloride, chloride-sulphate, control – sand moistened with distilled water. With chloride salinization at concentrations of 0.2-0.4%, the germination energy and germination of eastern saltwort seeds decreased slightly, and at concentrations of 1.2-1.4%, germination stopped. Sulfate salinization was the least toxic. With all types of salinization, with an increase in the salt concentration, the sowing – germination period is delayed and the process of germination of eastern saltwort seeds is expanded. Although eastern saltwort is a true halophyte, its seeds germinate better on a nonsaline substrate.