| Salinity is one of the abiotic stresses that further limit the seed germination and growth of plants because of low water potential of the soil. In this study, seeds of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L., cv. Aodai Melhorado) were used to investigate the effects of potassium nitrate priming on germination and early seedling growth under different salinity levels. It was hypothesized that priming with potassium nitrate may improve seed germination and plant establishment by mitigating the negative effects of saline stress through its role in cell osmotic balance. The seeds were soaked in distilled water or in a 2 g L–1 KNO3 solution at 25 °C for 6 hours, and after drying, were distributed in plastic boxes with blotter paper containing different salt solutions... |
