Effects of Chloride and Sulfate Salts on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Benth. and L.

Soil salinity is a well-known abiotic factor affecting the germination and seedling growth of various plant species. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of different chloride salts (NaCl, KCl and MgCl) and sulfate salts (NaSO, KSO and MgSO) on the seed germination and early seedling growth of two important ethnomedicinal shrubs of North Africa and the Mediterranean basin ( and ). Seeds of these species were subjected to five salinity levels (0-100 mM) and incubated at 20 °C under a light regime (12 h photoperiod). Both species demonstrated their highest germination percentage under control conditions (i.e., without salinity). However, as salinity levels increased, the germination percentages for both species decreased, regardless of the type of salt used. Cations appeared to be more determinative than the anions in regulating the seed germination of both species. seeds displayed greater sensitivity to sodium (Na) salts, especially when accompanied with chloride (Cl) anions. At the higher salt concentrations (75 and 100 mM), Na salts had a more pronounced inhibitory effect on seedling growth compared to potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) salts. Conversely, Mg salts were more detrimental to seedling growth in . Based on our results, it can be concluded that both of these species are able to tolerate a moderate level of salinity. Overall, may be a promising choice for rehabilitating the soils dominated by chloride salts, while could be utilized for restoring sulfate-dominated soils.