2025-12-25 CURRENT SCIENCE 2025 129(卷), 12(期), (null页)
Salinity is a major abiotic constraint to seed germination and early seedling establishment in forest tree species, especially in arid and semi-arid regions where freshwater scarcity necessitates the use of saline irrigation. The present study assessed the effect of varying salinity (4.0-8.0 dS m-1) on seed germination and seedling quality of Swietenia macrophylla (mahogany) under nursery conditions at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal. Germination parameters, final germination percentage (FGP), germination index (GI), coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG), and seedling quality indices declined significantly with increasing salinity. The FGP decreased from 28% in the control to 7% at 8.0 dS m-1. Higher salinity prolonged the mean germination time and significantly reduced growth and Dickson quality index values. The present study highlights the salinity sensitivity of mahogany during germination and underscores the need to screen and select tolerant genotypes for sustainable afforestation in saline-prone areas.