Abstract: The effect of salinity on the germination of the seeds before and after exposure to different NaCl concentrations were studied using seven Atriplex halimus provenances. The study showed a highly significant effect of salinity, provenance and their interaction on the percentage of germination. Seed germination was reduced in all provenances with an increase in salinity. Maximum germination levels were observed in tests using distilled water. SBO provenance showed a lesser reduction in germination in response to salt stress than other provenances. IDE provenance (Saharan provenance) showed low germination at 0% NaCl concentration and failed to germinate in 2% NaCl. Germination in distilled water indicated significantly different provenance responses. For TAO, IMS and SAL provenances, inhibition of germination was reversible, since the total germination after recovery of seeds exposed to three concentration of NaCl (1, 1.5 and 2%) did not differ significantly (P<0.05) from the distilled water control, whereas the inhibition of germination for NAD, OUD and IDE provenances are not reversible.