Effect of NaCl priming on germination behavior of fenugreek

In order to improve agronomic performance of Fenugreek under salt stress, the present research attempts to apply seed priming technique using NaCl through germination and cultivation tests. During these assays, agronomic and mineral parameters were monitored using saline irrigation to test the tolerance of Fenugreek to salinity. First, we determined the optimal concentration and duration of priming with NaCl; for this reason, Fenugreek seeds were pre-soaked separately in two concentrations of NaCl (4 and 6 g/l) for three duration (12, 24 and 36 h). Results obtained showed that the best combination of pretreatment (concentration and duration) giving the best seed germination is a concentration of 4 g/l and a soaking time of 36 h for NaCl solution. Optimal priming combinations (NaCl: 4 g/l, 36 h) were tested on Fenugreek seeds at different levels of salt stress in laboratory and greenhousse experiments. Results showed that, compared to non-pretreated seeds, seed priming improves germination, growth and yield parameters of Fenugreek. Minerals analyzes showed that plants derived from seeds pretreated with NaCl accumulate more minerals than plants derived from control seeds.