ABSTRACT
Salt stress is a significant abiotic factor that impacts plant growth and productivity, especially in crops like soybeans (Glycine max). This study aimed to explore the effects of different salinity levels on germination rates, seedling development, and physiological responses in soybean plants. The research sought to enhance our understanding of salt tolerance mechanisms in soybeans, which can aid in developing stress-resistant varieties and improving agricultural practices. The experiment was performed in Petri dishes with three replicates, where Glycine max seeds were exposed to various NaCl concentrations. The study evaluated the effects of NaCl concentrations—0.2g/l (Q2), 2g/l (Q3), 5g/l (Q4), 10g/l (Q5), and a distilled water control (Q1)—on germination percentage and growth parameters such as shoot length, root length, number of root hairs, stem girth, leaf count, and leaf area. The results showed that germination began on the third day for the Q2, Q3 and Q1. The highest germination rate (100%) occurred in both Q2 and the control group (Q1), while Q4 and Q5 exhibited delayed or no germination. By day 6, shoot and root lengths were significantly greater in Q1, measuring 12.07 ± 3.39 cm and 22.53 ± 7.50 cm, respectively, while no root development was observed in Q4 and Q5. These findings suggest that soybean seedlings are particularly sensitive to increased salt stress. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant difference between Q2, the control, and the other treatments for all parameters. The results suggest that Q2, with moderate salinity levels, promoted germination and growth, while higher salinity (Q5) inhibited both germination and growth, indicating a negative impact of salinity stress on soybean physiology
