Seed priming to improve germination and seedling growth of safflower {Carthamus tinctorius) under salt stress

Background: Salinity affect germination and seedling growth of several crop species, many techniques are used to improve tolerance and development of plants. Priming is an effective technique that improves germination of several vegetables crop under saline condition. That's why, this experiment was carried to study the effect of seed priming with 5 g/L NaCI and KCI on germination and seedlings growth of safflower {Carthamus tinctorius) exposed to five levels of salinity (0, 5,10,15 and 20 g/L). Materials and Methods: Safflower seeds were soaked in solutions of NaCI (5 g/L for 12 h) and KCI (5 g/L for 24 h) at 20°C. Primed and non primed seeds were put to germinate in petri dishes and irrigated with saline solutions of five concentrations of NaCI (0, 5,10,15 and 20 g/L). Results: NaCI and KCI priming have improved germination parameters (germination percentage, mean germination time, germination index and coefficient of velocity) and growth parameters (radicle and seedling length, seedling fresh and dry weight and Vigour Index) of safflower under saline condition. Conclusions: The present study revealed that, under salt stress, NaCI and KCI priming could be used as a method to improve safflower seed germination. However, further studies are needed to highlight effects of NaCI and KCI seed priming on future growth and development of the culture.