Effect of exogenous nitric oxide (NO) supply on germination and seedling growth of mungbean (cv. Nm-54) under salinity stress

The present study evaluated the effects of exogenous NO supply, using sodium nitroprusside (SNP) as a source of NO, on germination and seedling growth of mungbean (Vigna radiata) under salt stress conditions. The results showed that the seeds treated with NO solution (0.2 mM SNP) exhibited 80% and 109% higher germination percentage and germination stress tolerance index (GSI) than untreated seeds (control) under salt stress conditions. Similarly, the seedlings fertigated with NO maintained the highest values of 77.8%, 84.3%, 77.2%, 60.5% and 100.3% for plant height stress tolerance index (PHSI), root length stress tolerance index (RLSI), shoot fresh weight stress tolerance index, root fresh weight stress tolerance index (RFSI) and dry matter stress tolerance index (DMSI), respectively. Moreover, the NO fertigated seedlings maintained 57% higher chlorophyll contents than control seedlings. It is concluded that exogenous NO supply is an effective approach to ensure uniform stand establishment in saline regions of the world.