ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Unveiling Salinity Tolerance during Germination
in Tunisian Barley Genotypes: Implications
for Arid-Zone Agriculture
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1
Institute of Arid Lands of Medenine (IRA), Medenine Tunisia
2
Higher Institute of Arts and Crafts of Tataouine, BP 47, Cite Elmahrajene – 3234 – Tataouine Tunisia
3
National Institute of Agronomic Research of Tunis (INAT), Tunis Tunisia
Submission date: 2025-03-07
Final revision date: 2025-07-11
Acceptance date: 2025-08-12
Online publication date: 2025-09-30
Corresponding author
Faiza Boussora
Laboratoire d'aridoculture et cultures oasiennes, Institut des régions arides de Médenine, Tunisia
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ABSTRACT
Salinity stress is a major abiotic constraint that adversely affects seed germination and early seedling
development, particularly in crops such as barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). As a critical initial phase of the
plant life cycle, germination plays a key role in ensuring the successful establishment of the plant in its
environment. In this context, the present study evaluates the impact of different NaCl concentrations
(6 g/L and 12 g/L) on the germination performance and tolerance indices of five barley genotypes
(Ardhaoui, Kounouz, Lemsi, Manel, and Rihane). Germination kinetics revealed a sigmoidal pattern,
with a prolonged lag phase and a reduced final germination percentage under increasing salt stress.
At 12 g/L NaCl, significant reductions in cumulative germination rates were observed, particularly
for the Lemsi genotype, which displayed the highest sensitivity. In contrast, Ardhaoui maintained
a higher germination percentage, indicating superior salt tolerance. Coleoptile and radicle elongation
were severely inhibited by salinity, with reductions of up to 60% and 70%, respectively, at the highest
NaCl concentration. Statistical analysis confirmed significant genotype-by-treatment interactions for
both germination and elongation traits. Germination stress tolerance index (GSI) and tolerance index
(TI) analyses further demonstrated that Ardhaoui displayed the highest resilience to salinity, while
Lemsi was the most affected. These findings highlight substantial genetic variation in salinity tolerance
among barley genotypes, positioning Ardhaoui as a promising candidate for cultivation in saline-prone
environments. This study underscores the importance of selecting salt-tolerant genotypes to ensure
sustainable barley production under increasing soil salinization conditions.