Evaluating the Response of Rice Genotypes to Salinity Stress In Germination Stage

In order to evaluate the response of rice genotypes to salinity stress, 16 rice genotypeswere assessed to 4 salinity levels (0, 4, 8, 12, dS/m) through a split plot experiment basedon completely randomized design at germination stage. Germination percentage,germination rate, length of radicle, length of shoot, radicle dry weight, shoot dry weight,total biomass, and total radicle-shoot weight were measured. Results showed thosegermination percentage and germination rates were decreased by the increase of salinity. It was demonstrated that tolerant varieties had a more germinate. Salinity had a significanteffect on all of the studied traits expect total biomass. Germination rate showed significantcorrelations with germination percentage, radicle length, shoot length, and dry weights ofradicle and shoot (P≤0.01). Dry weight of shoot showed significant correlations withgermination percentage, radicle length and shoot length. Based on germination traits,PSBRC88 and IR58025A/IR60819R were determined as salt tolerant and sensitivevarieties, respectively. Results of this study would help to select for salt tolerant varieties in rice breeding programs.