Effects of Saline Stress on the Germination of Durum Wheat and Barley

Authors

  • Lilia Nouri Department of Ecology and Environment, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Batna 2 University, 53 Route de Constantine. Fesdis, 05078, Algeria.
  • Smail Chafaa Laboratory LPTPCMB, Batna2 University, 5078-Fesdis, Batna, Algeria
  • Mohamed Kebieche Department of Ecology and Environment, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Batna 2 University, 53 Route de Constantine. Fesdis, 05078, Algeria.
  • Fateh Mimeche Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of M’Sila, 28000 M’Sila, Algeria.
  • Hanane Ferroudji Department of Ecology and Environment, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Batna 2 University, 53 Route de Constantine. Fesdis, 05078, Algeria.

Keywords:

NaCl effects, durum wheat, barley, germination, physiobiochemical parameters

Abstract

Soil salinity poses a significant challenge to plant productivity and is a major issue for agriculture in Algeria. Consequently, developing varieties that can tolerate high salinity levels is a sustainable way to expand cereal cultivation, particularly in semi-arid regions. This study compares two durum wheat (Triticum durumDesf.) varieties and two barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) varieties with contrasting salt stress sensitivities. The experiment was conducted during the germination and early vegetative stages, assessing morphological, physiological and biochemical parameters. Specifically, the impact of escalating salinity levels (0–20 g•l⁻¹NaCl) on the germination and initial growth of durum wheat (Bousselem and Waha) and barley (Tichedrett and Saida) was evaluated. The results revealed a highly significant, dose-dependent inhibitory effect of salinity. Increasing salt concentrations markedly reduced the final germination percentage (FGP), slowed germination kinetics and increased the mean germination time (T₅₀). Morphological analyses showed severe inhibition of root and epicotyl growth at concentrations of 15 g·l⁻¹ and above. Of the tested genotypes, wheat variety Bousselem exhibited the greatest tolerance, maintaining an FGP of 28% under severe stress (20 g·l⁻¹), while barley variety Tichedrett demonstrated the fastest germination rate. An important finding was that germination recovery occurred following exposure to moderate salinity, but not after severe stress (18 to 20 g·l⁻¹). Overall, durum wheat displayed greater salt tolerance than barley. Furthermore, significant intraspecific variability was identified in Bousselem and Tichedrett, making them promising salt-tolerant genotypes worthy of further evaluation.

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Published

2026-07-01

Issue

Vol. 29 No. 2 (2026)

Section

Plant Science

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Copyright (c) 2026 Lilia Nouri, Smail Chafaa, Mohamed Kebieche, Fateh Mimeche, Hanane Ferroudji

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