Salinity in the germination and initial development stage of moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) seeds and seedlings

This work was done to evaluate germination and the initial development stage of moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) plants in different levels of salinity of irrigation water. The study was carried out at the Laboratory of Botany of the UFERSA, from March to May 2006. The treatments were organized in a completely randomized design, with three levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water (0.61; 10; 20 and 30 dS m(-1)), with four replications. Evaluation of speed of emergence-index, height of the aerial part of the seedling, dry mass of the aerial part of the seedling and seedling emergence, were done. The salinity intervened with all the parameters evaluated in the test of germination of the moringa; to the measure that, in concentrations from 30 dS m(-1) is harmful to seed germination and development of moringa seedlings.