Germination and Early Seedling Growth of Seven Varieties of Pearl Millet [Pennisetum Glaucum (L.) R. Br.] Under Saline Conditions.

The primary soil concern in the Senegalese "Peanut Basin" is the loss of arable lands and the decrease of crop yields mainly due to soil salinity. In addition, soils in Senegal are typically highly acidic. This initial experiment aims to identify millet varieties tolerant to salinity. In a greenhouse study, the effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) on germination and seedling establishment of pearl millet were studied and compared in seven varieties of three different origins (Burkina Faso, Mali and Senegal). We used Orangeburg loamy sand. Germination and seedling responses were determined and compared in different levels of salinity expressed in electrical conductivity (0.3, 2.1, 4.2, 5.2, 6.3 dS/m), and pH (4.9 and 6.0). The parameters measured included the number of daily germinated seeds, the number of leaves and seedling length and weight. Five days after sowing, there was no significant salinity effect on seed germination. However, cultivars IBMV 8402 and SOSAT C88 had the highest germination rates (93 and 85%, respectively, P<0.0001, α= 0.05). At pH 6.0, shoots were longer (19.24 cm) than at pH 4.9 (17.65 cm). Similarly at these pH levels, fresh matter was greater (96 mg and 76 mg, respectively). With the highest germination rates, the longest seedlings, and the most important fresh matter, varieties SOSAT C88 and IBMV 8402 seem to be more tolerant to the salinity stress.

Key words:   Plant growth; salt stress; lime; establishment; salinity tolerance.