Seed priming with chitosan improves the germination and growth performance of ajowan {Carum copticum) under salt stress

Background: Chitosan is a polysaccharide biopolymer derived from chitin. It not only stimulates growth and increases the crop yields but also alleviates the harmful effect of abiotic stress on plant growth. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of chitosan on germination and growth of ajowan {Carum copticum) under salt stress. This study was conducted in a laboratory and greenhouse. Material and Methods: In the first experiment seed germination of ajowan monitored under seed pre-treated by soaking in chitosan solutions of 0, 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.5% for 3 h. In second experiment, seeds soaked in chitosan solutions (0 and 0.2%) and sown in pots at different salinity levels (0, 4, 8 and 12 dS/m). Results: Results indicated that all of chitosan concentrations increased germination percentage, germination rate, seedling vigour index, length and dry weight of hypocotyl and radicle compared to control although, 0.2% chitosan concentration was more effective than other treatments. Salinity caused a significant reduction in germination percentage, shoot length, root length, shoot and root dry weight and relative water content, while chitosan adjusted the salt toxicity. Conclusions: It is concluded that chitosan would be able to stimulate germination and growth of ajowan. It is also resulted that soaking ajowan seeds with chitosan, may alleviate the inhibitory effect of salt stress on the plant growth.