Effect of NaCl priming duration and concentration on germination behavior of Tunisian safflower

Priming is an effective technique that improves germination of several crop species. That’s why this study was carried in order to evaluate the effect of NaCl seed priming techniques on germination and early growth of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.). Safflower seeds were primed with four concentrations of NaCl as priming media (5, 10, 15 and 20 g/l) for 12, 24 and 36 hours. Results indicated that different priming concentrations and duration have significant on total germination percentage, mean germination time, germination index and coefficient of velocity of safflower seeds. It was also observed that 12 h priming duration had the most effect on studied traits as 5 g/l priming concentration treatment. In general, primed seeds showed better performance than control (non primed seeds) in all studied parameters.