Correlation between quantitative and qualitative traits under salinity and drought in comparison with non-stress conditions in sugar beet (beta vulgaris)

Phenotypic coefficient correlation is a relation criteria for traits. This coefficient can be used to differentiate insignificant traits of varieties in selection programs. This survey was carried out with 10 breeding populations and susceptible controls in normal and stress conditions. The drought field was irrigated when plants reached wilting point. Traits such as leaf length and width, petiole length, root yield and length, white sugar yield, N, K, Na/K, root dry weight and shoot wet and dry weight were studied in stress and non stress conditions. The data were analyzed and correlation coefficients were determined using, Pearson’s method. The results showed that in normal condition correlation between RY and WSY, K, Na/K and RDW was significant. The relation between RY and WSY, RDW and SDW was significant in drought conditions. The correlation between RY and WSY, RDW and SDW was significant in saline conditions. The results also showed that the morphological traits measured in this survey were very important, particularly in stress conditions. In drought stress conditions, selection for small and few number of leaves and in saline conditions, the low amount of storage of sodium in root is very important for breeding programs.