Ocimum basilicum L. Seeds Quality as Submitted to Saline Stress and Salicylic Acid

Abstract

The quality of the seeds is of great importance for the cultivation of plants, however, the quality can be altered by the abiotic effects, amongst such, saline stress. Salinity is one of the great obstacles faced by modern agriculture, however, alternatives have been researched to mitigate its effects, where it is possible to mention the use of salicylic acid. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) seeds cultivated using applications of salicylic acid to attenuate the irrigation water salinity. The experimental design was a completely randomized complete block design in incomplete factor scheme, with five conductivities for irrigation water (0.5, 1.3, 3.25, 5.2, 6.0 dS m-1) and five salicylic acid doses (0.0, 0.29, 1.0, 1.71 and 2.0 mM), with five and four replicates, respectively. The electrical conductivity presented an effect on germination, while the salicylic acid presented an effect on the germination speed index, emergence speed index, shoot length, root and seedling length, and seedlings dry mass. The highest correlations were obtained amongst the germination variables. Therefore, it is possible to affirm that salicylic acid can be used up to the dose of 1.0 mM with no further damage to basil seeds’ quality.