Soil salinity is a key constraint for vegetable production worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the differential tolerance to salinity induced by sodium chloride (NaCl) - in three major root vegetable crops - sugar beet, radish and turnip - during the critical germination stage. Seeds were germinated under increasing NaCl concentrations (0-200 mM) in a controlled setting. Salinity negatively impacted all germination parameters, with interspecific variability evident. Radish exhibited the greatest tolerance while sugar beet was highly sensitive. Salt stress also suppressed seedling growth, reserve mobilization and metabolic efficiency. The study provides valuable insights on salinity impacts in vegetable crops at initial growth, though additional field investigations on diverse varieties should be carried out. The results offer a practical framework for identifying and selecting vegetable varieties with enhanced tolerance to saline conditions.
DOI: 10.26353/j.itahort/2024.2.1122
Keywords: salinity tolerance, germination stage, reserve mobilization, sugar beet, radish, turnip