Impact of Salinity on the Germination of Two Varieties of Lycopercicum esculentum: Campell 33 and Rio Grande

Abstract

This project aims to determine the optimal conditions for a good germination of the Rio Grande and Campbell 33 varieties of Lycopersicum esculentum. The several parameters were studied: The culture conditions, the tolerance to salinity, the total soluble aerial sugars levels, the dry matter of the aerial part and the sensitivity index. After 12 days, seed germination in a peat-sand mixture reached 10% in the Rio Grande variety and 4.8% in the Campbell 33 variety. When the seeds germinated in vitro, the percentage reached 75% for the Rio Grande variety and 60% for the Campbell 33. In petri dishes, the percentage of germination increased to 100% for both varieties. The salinity tolerance of both varieties was also studied. Significant decreases in capacity, speed, and germination rate were observed as a result of salt stress. The greatest reductions in germination were obtained at concentrations of 400 mM NaCl and MgSO4, and 200 and 400 mM CaCl2 for the Campbell 33 variety. Total soluble aerial sugars levels increased with salt concentrations, more markedly in Rio Grande, while the evolution of dry matter of the aerial part and the root volume decreased significantly. The variation of the sensitivity index as a function of the concentrations was treated.