Solid matrix priming with chitosan enhances seed germination and seedling invigoration in mung bean under salinity stress

The objective of present study was to evaluate the response of the mung bean seeds of ‘Sonali B1’ variety primed with chitosan in four different concentrations (0, 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.5%) under salinity stress of five different concentrations (i.e., 0, 4, 6, 8 and 12 dS*mm) and halotolerance pattern by applying Celite as matrix at three different moisture levels (5%, 10% and 20%). Improved germination percentage, germination index, mean germination time, coefficient of velocity of germination along with root and shoot length was observed comparing with control. Germination stress tolerance index (GSI), plant height stress tolerance index (PHSI) and root length stress tolerance index (RLSI) were used to evaluate the tolerance of the mung bean seeds against salinity stress induced by chitosan. Results of GSI, PHSI, RLSI showing noteworthy inhibitory effect of salinity stress in control set was significantly less pronounced in chitosan treated seedlings. Chitosan can remarkably alleviate the detrimental effect of salinity up to the level of 6 dS*m, beyond which no improvement was noticed. In conclusion present investigation revealed that chitosan is an ideal elicitor for enhancing the speed of germination and seedling invigoration that synchronize with emergence of radicle and salinity stress tolerance.