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Abstract
The shortage of good quality water resources is becoming an important issue in arid, semi-arid, and coastal zones. Sugar beet yield declines with an increase in salinity, but its sensitivity to salts varies with the salt composition in water and the plant growth stage. The possible use of Caspian Sea water, which its salinity is well below that of open seas, is desirable for irrigation. The aim of this study was to determine effects of various Caspian Sea water regimes on sugar beet seed germination. A randomized complete block (RCB) design was used with four replications of 15 seeds per pot. Eleven different irrigation treatments of Caspian Sea water ranging from 0% to 100% were applied that each treatment indicates the percent of Caspian Sea water to the mixture with the fresh water. Seed germination percent and the mean time to germination data were obtained for 30 days. Statistical analysis revealed that seed germination was significantly affected by Caspian Sea water, particularly by the salinity levels above the electric conductivity (EC) 13 dSm−1.