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Abstract

This study investigated the effects of different NaCl concentrations (0–200 mmol L-1) and 250 µmol L-1 melatonin treatments on radish seed germination under salt stress. Results demonstrated that salt stress adversely affected germination-related parameters in a concentration-dependent manner. Germination potential, rate, index, and vigor index decreased progressively with increasing NaCl, with severe reductions observed at 200 mmol L-1. Fresh weight, dry weight, hypocotyl length, root length, and shoot length also declined significantly under high salt stress. In contrast, melatonin application mitigated salt-induced inhibition, particularly at moderate to high salt concentrations (100–200 mmol L-1), though mild inhibition occurred at 50 mmol L-1. Melatonin increased germination potential by 47%, germination rate by up to 117%, and vigor index by as much as 817% under 200 mmol L-1 salt stress, demonstrating a concentration-dependent promotion effect. Seedling biomass parameters such as fresh weight, dry weight, and organ lengths (hypocotyl, root, shoot) were significantly enhanced by melatonin under moderate to high salt conditions, while showing mild inhibition only at 50 mmol L-1. These findings reveal the protective function of melatonin in preserving seed germination under salt stress.

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