Study on the effects of prepriming seed with salicylic acid in salinity stress condition, on germination and growth characteristics of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.)

In order to study the effects of prepriming seed with salicylic acid in salinity stress condition, on germination and growth characteristics of chamomile, an experiment was conducted in 2009 in the seed laboratory of Zabol University, Iran, as a factorial arrangement based on completely randomized design with three replications. The experimental treatments by salicylic acid were in 5 levels (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2.5 mM) and salinity in 4 levels (0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5%). Results indicated that salt stress had an negative effect on all factors (p<0.01). So that the highest percentage and speed of germination, length of radicle and hypocotyle, endosperm weight and the lowest length of time of 50% germination obtained was with 0% salinity treatment. With respect to salicylic acid treatments, the best effect except speed of germination and length of hypocotyle was achieved with 2.5 mM salicylic acid treatment.

Key words: Germination, Salicylic acid, Salt stress, Chamomile