This work evaluated seed germination and vigor of Brassica pekinensis cv. granat as affected by moisture content, substrate and saline stress. The experiment was carried out at the Seed Laboratory of the Agrarian Center Science of Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, in Alegre-ES, in a completely randomized design with the treatments distributed in a 2x3x5 factorial scheme to test the influence of seed moisture content (8 and 16%), substrate (top of sand, top of paper and between paper) and four NaCl solution concentrations (-0.2; -0.4; - 0.6 e -0.8 MPa). Germination test was performed at 20-30°C. The following parameters were considered: percentage and speed of germination, seedling fresh and dry weight. Percentage and speed of germination in a top of paper sowing was higher for the 8% M.C. seed lot. Seed germination and vigor decreased as salt concentrations increased. The seeds of 16% M.C. sown at top of sand and between paper, with salt solution of -0.2 and -0.4 MPa showed increases in seedling fresh weight, while significant increase of dry weight was observed at -0.8MPa. In conclusion, salinity is deleterious to Brassica pekinensis seed performance and damages are proportional to decrease of the osmotical potential. Seeds showed to be more tolerant to water deficit durning the initial stages of plant development.
Brassica pekinensis; osmotic potential; vigor; salt stress
