Responses of Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Muskmelon to NaCl Stress
甜瓜种子萌发和幼苗生长对NaCl胁迫的响应

We have studied the effects of NaCl stress at different concentrations on seed germination and seedling growth of muskmelon.The results showed that NaCl stress had little effect on early water absorption and cumulative germination rate of muskmelon,but did delay late on water absorption and germinating course.NaCl treatments at concentrations above 50 mmol5L~(-1)decreased the relative germination and the vigor indexes of seeds as well as the radicle growth.The inhabitation of NaCl stress on seedling height,leaf area and dry matter accumulation depended on NaCl concentration and stress duration.The restraining effect of NaCl was higher on seedling morphological indicators than on biomass accumulation, stronger on root than on aboveground part,severer on cv.Huanghemi than on cv. Baishami.The critical concentration for muskmelon seed germination and seedling growth may be between 100~150 mmol5L~(-1),and cultivars from var.inodorus is more suitable for salt water irrigation and saline soil production.