Variability in <i>Cynara cardunculus</i> L. Tunisian Populations: Seed Germination under Salt Stress

Abstract

Cynara cardunculus.L exhibits an important adaptability to arid and semi-arid regions where high salinity is frequently present. Aiming to introduce its cultivation in the Mediterranean environment especially in Tunisia, it seemed interesting to study seed germination of eight populations of cardoon in four concentrations of NaCl: 0g/L, 2g/L, 4g/L, and 8g/L. Our results showed a good variability in salinity stress resistance among the studied populations. Furthermore, six of them exhibited higher germination percentages in NaCl. Therefore, Cynara cardunculus.L may be utilised as a model plant for the study of salt stress responses and to select lines suitable to the cultivation in arid and semi-arid regions of Tunisia.