Abstract

In this research, influences of environmental factors and methanol on seed germination and seedling emergence of Persian Fenugreek were studied. Optimum germination and emergence occurred within the constant temperature range of 20 to 24°C, pH range of 7 to 9, and planting depth of 1 cm, with light stimulating germination. The most water imbibition trend in time course was observed at 25°C. Germination was at least 37 and 55% when exposed to solution osmotic potential of up to -0.8 MPa and NaCl concentration of down to 200 mM, respectively. No germination was observed at osmotic potential of -1.0 MPa and NaCl concentration of 250 mM. With increasing NaCl concentration and osmotic potential, Hypocotyl length decreased but radicle length increased and then rapidly decreased. Immersion period treatments had no effect on seed germination but seedling growth was greater in treatment without immersing period. Maximum dry weight and radicle length significantly (P£0.01) achieved at 4% and hypocotyl length at 2% methanol concentration. The possible role of methanol in stimulating growth in Persian Fenugreek seedling was discussed. Information gained from this study will further improve our understanding of the germination behavior of Persian Fenugreek and can contribute to developing sustainable strategies for its important cultivation.

Key words: Persian Fenugreek, temperature, osmotic potential, salinity, methanol concentration, planting depth.