GERMINATION OF CACTUS SEEDS UNDER SALINE STRESS

ABSTRACT Cactus seeds in seasonal dry tropical forests are subject to several stressors, such as salt stress which limits imbibition and therefore germination. Thus, this study aimed compare germination performance of Cereus jamacaru subsp. Pilosocereus pachycladus pernambucoensis under salinity conditions. To end, NaCl KCl solutions were used the following osmotic potentials: 0.0 (control),-0.2,-0.4,-0.6,-0.8,-1.0, and-1.2 MPa. Seeds placed germinate at 25 °C 12-hour photoperiod. The number germinated was counted daily for 21 days after root protrusion. variables analyzed were: water content, germination, normal seedlings, speed index, average time. experimental design completely randomized, a 2 × 7 factorial scheme (species potential) each saline source. Water restriction ionic effect caused by salts favored seed vigor both species at-0.2 and-0.4 However, from-0.8 MPa onwards, decreased significantly salts. C. P. tolerant since they up to-0.8 (NaCl) (KCl). latter occurred only pernambucoensis.