Varietal Difference for Salt Tolerance During Seed Germination in Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii)

Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii var. Motia) is a major essential oil bearing perennial crop. Due to presence of geraniol and geranyl acetate, it is used worldwide in the cosmetic and perfumery industries. The objective of this study was to determine the salt tolerance relative to seed germination potential and seedling vigor index of three palmarosa varieties PRC-1, Trishna and Tripta under four levels of NaCl concentrations i.e. 0mM, 50mM, 100mM and 150mM NaCl at 25 degrees C temperature coupled with 16 hrs light and 8 hrs dark photoperiod. The highest percentage of germination and seedling vigor index I and II was observed in control followed by 50mM, 100mM and 150mM. Germination percentage decreased as NaCl concentration increased. Variety Trishna showed highest salt tolerance potential followed by PRC-1 and Tripta. Variety PRC-1 and Tripta have salt tolerance potential up to 50mM NaCl concentration but Trishna have up to 150mM NaCl concentration. The findings of this study be helpful in the study of germination behavior and selection of varieties and new suitable areas for commercial cultivation of palmarosa especially under saline conditions. The result of our study suggests that in the nursery more than 50mM salinity soils should be avoided and variety Trishna can be grown up to 100mM NaCl concentration at 25 degrees C.