Seed germination and physiological characteristics of nine Elymus sibiricus accessions under diferent salt stress

The aim of this study was to evaluate the salt resistence of different Elymus sibiricus germplasm and to screen varieties with salt resistance. The seeds of nine E. sibiricus were treated with different NaCl solutions of 0, 0.3%, 0.6%, 0.9%, 1.2%, 1.5% and 1.8%, to select the best concentration of NaCl solution. The salt stress of nine accessions was studied in germination index and seedling leaf physiological indexes. The results of this study showed that the salt decreased the relative germination rate and relative germination index, inhibited the growth of radicle length and plumule length. It was obvious that the level of SOD enzyme activities, MDA, proline in the leaves at seedling stage were sensitive to the level of salt stress. The concentration of 0.9% NaCl was suitable for screening salt tolerance in E. sibiricus at seed germination stage. According to the descending order of the comprehensive evaluation of salt resistance, the order of nine E. sibiricus accessions from high to low was E03, E04, E08, E09, E07, E05, E06, E02, E01.