The Effect of Salinity on Germination and Its Correlation with K<sup>+</sup>, Na<sup>+</sup>, Cl<sup>−</sup> Accumulation in Germinating Seeds of <italic>Triticum aestivum</italic> L. cv. Akbar

Abstract

NaCl salinity stress consistantly decreased the rate of germination of wheat. GA alone or in combination with kinetin alleviated the inhibitory effect of salinity on germination. However, kinetin further decreased the rate of germination under NaCl salinity stress. NaCl salinity increased accumulation of Na+ and Cl− while it decreased K+ accumulation in germinating seeds. GA caused an increase in K+ accumulation and a decrease in Cl− accumulation in the germinating seeds while kinetin increased Cl− accumulation in salinity stressed plants. The co-relation between the effect of salinity on germination and that on accumulation of ions is discussed.