Effect of salt stress on germination of five quinoa varieties (Chenopodium quinoa willd)

This study investigates the impact of salt stress on the germination and early development of five quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) varieties—GIZA 02, GIZA 01, Q27, Q29, and SANTA MARIA. The objective was to evaluate their tolerance to increasing concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl), ranging from 0 to 300 mM, in a controlled laboratory setting. By analyzing various germination-related parameters, including germination rate, germination speed, germination kinetics, daily average germination, root and epicotyl lengths, reversibility of salt effects, and reserve mobilization, this research aimed to uncover genetic variability in salinity tolerance among the selected varieties. The findings demonstrate significant differences in the ability of these varieties to withstand salinity. GIZA 02 emerged as the most resilient, consistently maintaining higher germination rates and superior performance across most measured parameters, even under the harshest saline conditions. In contrast, Q29 exhibited the lowest tolerance, with marked reductions in germination and growth metrics. The intermediate performance of GIZA 01, Q27, and SANTA MARIA suggests varying degrees of adaptability to saline environments. This study underscores the potential of GIZA 02 as a highly salt-tolerant quinoa variety, highlighting its suitability for cultivation in saline-prone areas. Conversely, the susceptibility of Q29 emphasizes the need for targeted strategies to improve its tolerance. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of quinoa's physiological responses to salinity, offering valuable insights for breeding programs aimed at enhancing crop resilience in the face of global soil salinization challenges.