In order to study the effect of the magnetic field, hydro-priming and salinity stress on the seed germination characteristics of Milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.) an experiment in factorial in the form of completely randomized design was executed. Treatments contain two levels of hydro-priming (soaking seeds in distilled water for 24 hours and use the dry seed) seven levels of magnetic field treatment (50 mT and 100 mT for 20, 40 and 60 minutes and control treatment without magnetic field exposure). And 3 potential levels of salinity (0, 150 and 300 mM NaCl) induced from Sodium chloride (NaCl). Results showed that the percentage of germination, the mean germination time, coefficient of germination, normal number of seedling, plumule length, radicle length, seedling length, vigor index, plumule fresh weight, radicle fresh weight and seedling fresh weight at the 5% level were significant. Hydro-priming improved the evaluated characteristics. Also according to the obtained results it was determined that increasing the concentration of NaCl, reduced the amount and growth of these characteristics. The results of the effects of the magnetic field also suggested that these effects were different under the strength and duration of the exposure. So that the treatments 50 mT and 100 mT for 20 minutes, increased vigor index and seedling fresh weight by 6 and 10 percent respectively in comparison with control treatment.

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