Sesame Germination Dynamics: Unravelling Sesame’s Response to Salinity and Temperature Variability

Sesame (Sesamum indicum), a highly valued oilseed, faces challenges in cultivation, especially in regions susceptible to environmental stressors. This study investigates the interactive effects of salinity and temperature on sesame seed germination. Two cultivars, Darab 1 and Oltan, were subjected to various salinity levels (−3 to −12 bars) and temperatures (15 °C, 20 °C, and 25 °C). Results revealed that at 15 °C, salinity levels beyond -3 bars significantly reduced germination, while at 25 °C, 40% and 62% germination rates were recorded even at −12 bars for Darab 1 and Oltan, respectively. This study highlights the importance of temperature in mitigating the inhibitory effects of salinity on germination. Germination speed exhibited a decline with increasing salinity, particularly at lower temperatures. Shoot and root lengths and dry weights decreased with rising salinity, but Oltan demonstrated greater tolerance than Darab 1. The research emphasises the species-specific nature of temperature-salinity interactions and the intraspecific variability among sesame cultivars. Notably, Oltan, adapted to arid regions with elevated temperatures, displayed increased tolerance to salinity stress. These findings contribute to understanding sesame’s resilience to environmental stressors, aiding in developing resilient cultivars for challenging agricultural landscapes. Overall, temperature is pivotal in influencing sesame seed germination and early seedling growth under salinity stress, offering insights for optimised cultivation practices.