Effects of NaCl on Germination and Early Seedling growth of Brassica juncea var. Ensabi

The species of Malaysian Brassica (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. Var. Ensabi) with its pungent and slightly bitter aromatic taste has been planted by Malays and natives in the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. Salinity affects imbibition, germination and root elongation. To study on effect of NaCl stress on germination and early seedling growth on B. juncea (L.) Czern. Var. Ensabi an experiment was conducted in the laboratories of Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Malaysia. Results indicated that Salinity significantly affected the final germination rate and percent germination and by increasing salinity, significant decrease was observed in percentage of germination and germination rate. As the salinity level increased from 0 to10 M NaCl, more than 80% redaction was observed in seed germination compared to control and it was completely inhibited in higher salinities. Acording to results, 20°C was the optimal temperature for germination of Ensabi seeds in salinity situation and any increase or decrease in temperature inhibited germination. Results also showed length of radicle and radicle dry matter significantly was decreased when salinity was increased. Results showed in NaCl concentration at 8 MPa root growth stopped after seed germination and completely inhibited at 10 and 12 MPa.