Repeated Screening for Selection of Salt Tolerant Alfalfa Ecotypes

Ten promising alfalfa ecotypes were evaluated in normal and salty conditions. Various agro-morphological traits of ecotypes such as plant height, number of stem, chlorophyll (CHL) amounts and yield were measured in normal and salt stress conditions. Analysis of variance showed that the responses were significantly different among ecotypes. To ensure results accuracy and ecotypes selection, the experiment was repeated once again and salinity treatments were applied at two levels. The results indicated that the response was significantly different among cultivars. Gara-Yonje, Baftan and Leghlan ecotypes were the best for plant height, however, the results for number of stems were similar. Gara-Yonje and Leghlan had the most CHL but Khaje ecotype produced the shortest height. In salt-free conditions, Gara-Yonje, Khaje and Baftan had the most individually fresh yield. Gara-Yonje and Baftan were the best in moderate salty conditions. Ecotypes in severe salty conditions for fresh yield were similar to moderate conditions and again Gara-Yonje, Khaje, Baftan and Leghlan were the best. Considering all measured traits, particularly with emphasis on yield, Gara- Yonje, Khaje, Baftan and Leghlan can be selected for moderate and severe salty conditions.