摘要：Graphical abstractDisplay OmittedAbstractSalinity is one of the main factors affecting seed germination and seedling growth. Anin vitroexperiment was conducted to assess the ability of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecumL.) to germinate and cope with salt stress. Fenugreek seeds were germinated in presence of 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM NaCl for 2 and 5 days; and the seedlings were evaluated for their morpho- physiological features. Data revealed that seedling dry mass and seedling mass vigor index (SMVI) were non- significantly affected by salinity at both ages, seedling fresh mass was adversely affected only at the first age, while germination percent, germination index, seedling length and seedling length vigor index were all suppressed by salinity at both ages. Salinity could also hit the seedlings cellular membranes as indicated by enhanced membrane lipid peroxidation and membrane injury with subsequent less membrane stability at the two ages. As a strategy to withstand stress, water extracts of the seedlings had higher osmotic pressure under salinity; with increased amount of total soluble sugars, proline, citric acid as well as sodium and chloride especially at the first age. Induced activity of some antioxidant enzymes like catalase, peroxidase, ascorbic peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase were also recorded at both ages under most of the checked salt concentrations. Moreover, correlation coefficient was determined between each parameter of the estimated morpho- physiological criteria and SMVI. Also, the degree by which the estimated criteria contributed to overall seedling performance was statistically computed.
