Effect of salinity on seed germination of some tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) varieties

Salinity adversely affects 20-30% of the irrigated area in world. Tomato is sensitive to salinity. It one most severe abiotic factors many agricultural crops and it becoming main problem Ethiopia. This study was conducted evaluate effects different salinity levels on seed germination parameters tomato varieties. laid out a completely randomized design with three replicates. The treatment included four varieties (Sirinka, Weyno, ARP D2, Roma VF) five (1 dS m-1, 2 3 4 control). Fifty seeds were placed Petri dish over moistened paper for seedlings allowed grow 14 days. rate, speed energy significantly (p < 0.001) affected by combined effect variety shortest mean time, highest recorded D2 control treatment. lowest first last days germination, uncertainty from D2. However, an increase decrease index total percentage trends observed increasing levels. level (4 m-1) Among tested varieties, VF tolerant