Effect of Salinity on Six Genotypes of Avena Sativa during Germination and Seedling Growth

Avena sativa is a promising crop valued for its nutritional benefits, adaptability and rapid growth. The rapidly increasing global salinisation threatens more than 10% of arable land, lowering the average yield of major crops. To examine the impact of salinity on seed germination and seedling development in six Avena genotypes (JHO Kent, JHO 822, JHO 851, JHO 2009-1, JHO 2010-1, and JHO 2012-2) subjected to different salinity levels (EC 4, EC 8, EC 12, EC 16 dS/m), including distilled water. The seeds were germinated in petri plates. The germination and seedling vigour were significantly affected by increasing salinity, with notable declines observed at EC 12 and EC 16. Among the genotypes, JHO 822 and JHO 2009-1 displayed the highest salinity tolerance. JHO 822 achieved 90% germination in distilled water at EC 12 and exhibited superior radicle (19 cm) and plumule (20.76 cm) lengths. Similarly, JHO 2009-1 retained 85% germination at EC 16 and exhibited strong seedling growth, with maximum radicle and plumule lengths. JHO Kent, JHO 851, and JHO 2012-2 showed moderate salinity tolerance, attaining germination rates above 75% at EC 16 but with reduced seedling growth metrics. In contrast, JHO 2010-1 demonstrated the lowest resilience, with germination declining to 40% and minimal radicle and plumule development at EC 16. Across all genotypes, lower salinity levels (EC 4 and EC 8) supported optimal germination and growth. Thus, the study highlights substantial genotypic variability in salinity tolerance, with JHO 822 and JHO 2009-1 emerging as promising genotypes for cultivation in saline environments.