Combined effect of P fertilization and salinity on germination and seedling characteristics of wheat seeds

Germination is one of the most critical and sensitive stages of plant growth which is severely affected by salinity. The interaction between sodium chloride and phosphorus is investigated. The study aims to develop suitable measures to alleviate the negative effects of salinity on seed germination thereby crop establishment. The interaction NaCl (S) × P is carried out with four concentrations of NaCl (S0 =Distilled water, S1 = 50 mM, S2 =100mM, S3 = 200mM) and three doses (0, 45 and 60 ppm of P) of each fertilizer form (Ortho-A, Poly-B, Ortho-B). The study was undertaken in Petri dishes. Compared to the control, P-fertilizers showed a significant improvement in the germination percentage, seedling growth parameters (shoot length, Total root length, DW and Tissue mass density), Root Tolerance Index, and in the accumulation of major elements (N, P, K). The results obtained suggest that phosphorus may reduce the harmful effects of salinity on wheat seed germination.