ABSTRACT
This work was carried out with the objective of evaluating the effect of different levels of NaCl in the germination and initial development of the leucena (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam) of Wit.). The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, using NaCl for artificial salinization of the soil, to obtain e concentrations of 0.15; 0.30; 0.45 and 0.60% (ECseof 6, 12, 18 and 24 dS m-1). The following variables were analyzed: germination percentage, index of germination velocity, leaf area, height of plants and dry matter. The analysis of the data demonstrated that the potential of germination of the leucena was affected with the increase of the concentration of NaCl. The initial development of the leucena suffered a more significative effect at 0.45%, but the variables leaf area and dry matter were affected starting from the concentrations of 0.15 and 0.30%, respectively.
Key words:
Leucena leucocephala; salinity tolerance; germination