Effects of different sodium salt stress on seed germination of sweetclover

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different sodium salt stress on seed germination of sweetclover (Melilotus albus). Different sodium salts (NaCl, Na2SO4, Na2CO3, and NaHCO3) with different concentrations (0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, 1.0%, 1.2%, 1.4%, 1.6% and 1.8%) were applied as salt stress. Germination energy, germination percentage, germination index, vigor index, salt resistance index and radicle length were measured during sweetclover seed germination on filter papers. All of these different sodium salts stress, germination energy, germination percentage, germination index, vigor index, salt resistance index and radicle length decreased with the increasing of salt concentration, which indicated that the inhibition of salt tolerance to germination and growth. However, lower concentration of NaCl and Na2SO4 can promote seed germination. The resistance to different salt of sweetclover was different as follow: Na2SO4NaClNaHCO3Na2CO3.