Résumé:
Salinity is a major factor limiting the growth and development of cereals, particularly wheat. Seed bio-priming, using halotolerant microorganisms such as Aspergillus niger, represents a promising alternative for improving plant germination and growth. This technique influences seed development by modulating metabolic activities prior to root emergence. The effect of bio priming durum wheat seeds (Simeto variety) under different levels of salt stress (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM NaCl) at the germination stage was evaluated. Germination kinetics and rate, epicotyl and radicle length, and root number were measured. According to the results, the negative impact of salinity observed on all the parameters studied was overcome after treatment of the seeds with Aspergillus niger, thus significantly improving their tolerance. This method is of vital importance for protecting plants against the deleterious effects of salt stress, and for guaranteeing food safety, environmental protection and agricultural profitability.
