Resumo

REYES-PEREZ, Juan José et al. Germination and seedling traits of basil varieties (Ocimum basilicum L.) under salt stress. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2013, vol.4, n.6, pp.869-880. ISSN 2007-0934.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is a species that has variability in tolerance to different abiotic stress and is considered a sensitive plant to salinity in the early stages of its growth. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of salinity on basil germination. Twenty varieties were subjected to three NaCl concentrations (0, 50 and 100 mM) in a completely randomized design with four replications. The study was developed in a germination chamber. The variables measured were rate and percentage of germination, radicle length, seedling height, fresh and dry biomass of radicle and shoot. The results showed that Sweet Dani, Red Rubin, Genovese Italian, Mrs Burns, Cinnamon, Emily and Dolly varieties had a better response in germination, germination rate, radicle length, seedling height, fresh and dry biomass radicle and shoot variables. It is discussed the differential response between varieties when subjected to different levels of NaCl.

Palavras-chave : agriculture in arid zones; biomass; NaCl; germination rate.