Effect of Salinity on Germination and Seed Physiology in Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.)

The response of three bean cultivars (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to equimolar NaCl and Na2SO4 salinity at germination and early seedling growth was investigated. Seeds were germinated and grown in Petri plate on filter paper with solution of the respective treatment and incubated at 25°C in a thermostat. Each treatment was replicated three times. The seedlings were harvested and their growth, as well as their germination and respiration rates were measured.All treated cultivars registered decrease in the percentage of germination, seedlings growth and respiration rate. The cultivars were inhibited stronger by Na2SO4 than NaCl treatment.