An experiment was carried out in order to evaluate the effects of saline water at levels: 0.5; 1.0; 2.0; 3.0; 4.5 and 6.0 dS m-1 of electric conductivity and the effects of substrate volume of 0.34 and 1.41 liter on seed germination and some variables of initial growth in passion fruit plants ( Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa Deg) cultivars yellow and purple, during November of 2000 and February of 2001. The data showed that the saline content of the water irrigation inhibited the seed germination process and the initial growth of the passion fruit plants although they have been more drastic in treatment with smaller volumes of substrate. The action of saline water produced an effect more harmful to plants growth than during the seed germination of both genotypes evaluated by height growth, stem diameter, leaf area, primary root growth and dry matter production of roots and area part of the plants. The seedling irrigated with water of electric conductivity higher than 1.0 dS m-1 didn't present agronomic qualities to planting.
Saline water; substrate; seedling production; passion fruit
