How NaCl, Na2SO4, MgCl2 and CaCl2 salts affect the germinability of Pinus halepensis Mill

In the Mediterranean forests, Pinus halepensis Mill. (Aleppo pine) plays an important role against desertification, reforestation of degraded lands and soil rehabilitation. Therefore, knowledge of its seed germinability requirements is necessary for its propagation in field conditions to colonize new territories habitually not conventional for other species. The study was carried out to assess the effects of different soluble salts (NaCl, Na2SO4, MgCl2 and CaCl2) on seed germination characteristics [germination percentage (GP) and rate of germination (RG)] of this conifer. Data show that all soluble salts decreased both parameters GP and RG. The highest GP was obtained in conditions without salinity. The maximum values of germination were obtained by low concentrations of MgCl2. Comparatively, NaCl was generally the most toxic salt followed by CaCl2 and Na2SO4. The present findings could be useful in the design of future projects for reforestation of degraded arid lands.