Effect of different salinity levels on morpho-physiological characters of 8 wheat genotypes (Triticum aestivum L.)

For examining and producing salt tolerant wheat genotype based on morpho-physiological characteristics, a factorial experiment was set out in a green-house in a completely randomized design with three replications. The treatments included four saline solutions (0, 150, 200 and 250 mM NaCl) and 8 wheat genotypes: 3 hybrids (Cajema × Sette Cerros, Cajema × HO2 and Cajema × Lermaroja), 4 parents (Sette Cerros, HO2, Lermaroja, Cajema) and Axona as a control. Data for Na+, K+ and Cl- concentrations and Na/K ratio in the first leaf below the flag leaf yield and 1000 grain yield were measured. Based on analysis of variance, salinity had positive significant effect on Na+, Cl- concentrations and Na/K ratio. As salinity levels increased, yield and 1000 grain weight and K+ concentration declined. Based on Na/K ratio, the best physiological characteristic for recognizing sensitive and tolerant genotypes, Cajema was the most tolerant genotype. Hybrids produced in this study weren’t good for salinity condition and the hybrids didn’t show more feature than their parents.