With the objective of evaluating the influence of seed coating on seed germination and seedling development under increased saline concentrations, naked and loose seeds of ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), "common" cultivar, were exposed to six NaCl concentrations (0, 48, 66, 97, 129 and 145 mM). The basic material for coating was wood bran. Emergence, abnormal seedlings, dormant seeds and percentages of dead seeds, as well as speed emergence index, length of the aerial part and the root and fresh weight of the aerial part were evaluated. Results showed that emergence of both loose and coated annual ryegrass seeds decreases with increase in substrate salinity, negatively affecting seedling development. Increased NaCl concentration leads to seed dormancy. Seed coating is unable to protect seeds from the deleterious effects of salinity from the 64 mM NaCl concentration.
germination; Lolium multiflorum; sodium chloride; vigor
