Influence of salinity on emergence and early seedling growth of Tamarindus indica L.

The influence of 0, 30, 60 and 120 mM NaCl on seedling emergence and early growth of Tamarindus indica L. was investigated under greenhouse conditions. The first seeds in the non-saline treatment emerged (E-1st) 7.5 days after sowing (DAS), 50 % of seeds had emerged (E-50) 8.4 DAS, and a maximum of 88.1 % of seeds had emerged 11.8 DAS. Addition of 30, 60 or 120 mM NaCl delayed E-1st by 1.5, 4.2 and 7.2 days, respectively, compared to the control. E-50 at 30 and 60 mM NaCl was achieved 10.7 and 15.7 DAS, respectively, whereas seeds at 120 mM failed to reach E-50. Seedling growth was not markedly affected by 30 mM, but progressively stronger inhibitory effects were observed within the 60 and 120 mM treatments.