Effect of sodium chloride on germination and vigor of Cajanus cajan (l.) millspaugh seeds

Cajanus cajan is used as fertilizer or as food for human and animal. Since salinization of soils is a worldwide problem, it is necessary to look for resistant species. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of NaCl on germination, emergence and vigor of C. cajan. Therefore, seeds of the pintadinho cultivar and five concentrations of NaCl (1.5; 3.0; 4.5; 6.0; and 7.5 dSm-¹) and control were used. A completely randomized design was performed with four repetitions of 50 seeds for each treatment. Data were submitted to analysis of variance, using the F test to compare mean squares, and the polynomial regression analysis for quantitative effects. The progressive addition of salt had no significant effect on germination and emergence of C. cajan seedlings, however it reduced its vigor.