The Korean Journal of Crop Science ISSN:0252-9777(Print) 2287-8432(Online) 한국작물학회지

This research was carried out to investigate the germination and seedling growth characteristics of the halophyte Suaeda Asparagoides under various salt concentrations, temperatures, and the presence or absence of light S. asparagoides has a non-endospermic dicotyledonous seed structure that is go stone-shaped with a dark brown color and covered by a star-shaped perianth. Germination within the temperature range 5~40°C varied from 8% to 65%. The highest germination occurred at 15°C. In seeds exposed to salt concentrations in the range 0~400 mM, the highest germination occurred at 0 mM, and the germination progressively decreased as the salt concentration increased. When the perianth of the seed was removed, the germination increased significantly. In the presence or absence of light, germination under white light was 5~20% higher than that under darkness, which varied according to salt concentrations in the range 0~300 mM. The plant growth of S. asparagoides, evaluated by plant height, branch number, root length, fresh weight, and dry weight, was higher in the concentration range 50~100 mM, and it decreased in the other concentrations. In conclusion, the seeds of S. asparagoides showed higher germination in fresh water at low temperature of approximately 15°C under light when the perianth was removed, and the plant growth was higher at salt concentrations of 50~100 mM.