Germination screening of nine annual Amaranthaceae halophytes identifies candidates for saline-alkali tolerant crop development

Introduction: Screening of halophytes is the key to biological improvement of saline-alkali soils. This study sought to determine the influence of low, moderate, and high combined saline-alkaline stress on the germination period of different halophytes and evaluate the salt-alkali tolerance of halophytes. Methods: The paper-based culture method be used to determine the germination and growth indices of 9 halophytes under low, moderate, and high combined saline-alkaline stress. Results: as examples, the inhibition rate of radicle length (94.19%, 95.57%) was significantly higher than that of inhibition rate of germ length (40.54%, 32.48%). (3) Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between seed germination vigor and root development along with biomass accumulation. Seed germination performance in saline-alkali environments is determined by the plant's genetic background, the external stress intensity, and their complex interaction. Conclusions: are recommended for rehabilitating high, moderate, and low saline-alkali soils, respectively. This study elucidates halophyte germination strategies under combined saline-alkali stress, providing a theoretical basis toward effective species selection for saline-alkali land bioremediation.