ABSTRACT
Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important oilseed crop rated moderately salt tolerant and capable of producing profitable crops in saline conditions. Germination is the first stage in a plant’s life, which can be affected by stress and as a result salinity reduces germination and delays emergence in most cultivars, however there are cultivars that can tolerate this condition. This study aimed to determine the effects of different levels of water salinity (0, 5.3, 8.5, 12.05, 14.65 and 18.45dSm-1) on germination and seedling growth of ten sesame cultivars. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design with four replications. Traits of germination percentage, plumule and radicle length, plumule and radicle dry weight were investigated under salinity stress. Results showed that the highest values for these traits were from the Abpaksh cultivar, and traits in the other cultivars diminished with increasing water salinity. Germination and seedling growth were strongly inhibited by 12.05dSm-1.