Abstract

CHILO, G.; VACCA MOLINA, M.; CARABAJAL, R.  and  OCHOA, M.. Temperature and salinity effects on germination and seedling growth on two varieties of Chenopodium quinoa. Agriscientia [online]. 2009, vol.26, n.1, pp.15-22. ISSN 1668-298X.

The effect of temperature and salinity on germination and seedling growth was studied in two varieties of Chenopodium quinoa. A factorial experiment with three factors was designed: 1) variety (two levels: Cica and Real); 2) temperature, (three levels: 5 ºC, 10 ºC and 20 ºC) and 3) salinity (five levels: 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4M of sodium chloride). The tests were carried out according to ISTA rules. The response variables were: germination rate as a percentage of normal seedlings; germination speed and seedling growth. Percentage of normal seedlings, abnormal and dead seeds, together with dry weight and sodium and potassium content were determined. In Cica and Real varieties, decreasing temperature and increasing salinity caused a reduction in speed and percentage of germination and seedling growth. It also affected dry weight and the percentage of normal and abnormal seedlings and dead seeds. The varieties accumulated solutes in the vacuoles of the epidermal cells of the stem and leaves. The variety Cica showed a better response to seedling germination and growth when compared with the variety Real.

Keywords : Chenopodium; Temperature; Salinity; Germination.

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