Three seed lots of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Schrad.), cv. Crimson Sweet, were germinated in blotter paper soaked with solutions of NaCl. The effect of water stress during seed germination and development of watermelon seedlings was evaluated by submitting seeds to five osmotic potentials : 0,0; -0,2; -0,4; -0,6 and -0,8 MPa. Percentage of germination, first count, abnormal seedlings, seedling length and dry weight were evaluated. Results showed that the gradual reduction of the osmotic potential of substrate is harmful to seed germination and development of watermelon seedlings. Osmotic potentials lower than -0,4M Pa were considered as critical.
Citrullus lanatus; osmotic potential; seed performance
