Prediction of Salinity Tolerance Based on Biological and Chemical Properties of Acacia Seeds

Abstract

Multiple regression equations have been developed to predict the salinity tolerance of Acacia seeds, expressed as the I₅₀ (the concentration of NaCl required to reduce fi nal germination to 50% of the control value in distilled water). Accurate predictions can be made using one or more chemical and biological seed parameters. In this study relationships were drawn among fi nal germination percentage and rate of germination in distilled water, Ca²⁺ or K⁺ contents and their ratios to predicted salinity tolerance (I₅₀) of Acacia species. Simulation of the effects of changing fi nal germination, calcium and potassium suggest the possibility of practical application of these results to modify the salinity tolerance of seeds. The predicted I₅₀ increased with increase fi nal germination percentage. Similarly, the higher the rate of germination was the higher the predicted salt tolerance of Acacia species. The Ca²⁺ content of seeds was found to be positively correlated with I₅₀. Species with higher Ca²⁺ contents had a higher I₅₀. This suggests that that I₅₀ might be increased by increasing the Ca²⁺ contents of seeds by pretreatment with calcium salts.