The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the response of seed germination and seedling emergence of three Moroccan alfalfa cultivars (Ifrane, Marocaine and Demnate) and an introduced variety (Siriver) under different NaCl concentrations, in order to explore possibilities of selecting salt-tolerant genotypes. Seeds were kept under salt stress at 7 treatment levels: 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 mM of NaCl. Seed germination, seedling length, fresh weight, germination speed and other parameters were recorded. The results showed that all germination parameters were significantly reduced for all genotypes as NaCl concentration increased. However, significant interspecific variation for salt tolerance was observed. Indeed, at the highest salt stress level (250 mM NaCl), the Ifrane and Marocaine varieties had higher germination rates (73% and 64% respectively), whereas the Demnate and Siriver varieties had a low germination rate (25% and 13% respectively). Growth parameters such as height and biomass of young seedlings were reduced under salt treatment. The intraspecific variability of lucerne with respect to salinity is significant. However, both in the presence and in the absence of salt, the local germplasm (Ifrane, Demnate and Marocaine) showed the best germination behavior. In fact, the Ifrane genotype was the most tolerant and it exhibited a particular adaptability to the saline environment, at least at these two stages of the life cycle, and could therefore be an interesting asset for the establishment of these plants in irrigated perimeters in arid zones faced with salinity.
Cite this paper
Aberchane, L. , Taoufiq, K. , Elbiari, K. and Faghire, M. (2024). Comparative Salt Tolerance Study of Some Moroccan Alfalfa Varieties during Germination and Seedling Emergence Stages. Open Access Library Journal, 11, e1112. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1111112.
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