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CARBON-ISOTOPE DISCRIMINATION IN WHEAT UNDER SALINE CONDITIONS

R. ANSARI, S.S.M. NAQVI, A.N. KHANZADA AND K.T.HUBICK*

Abstract: A study using 21 cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum L) and a salt tolerant barley (Hordeum vulgare L) showed significnat variation in ∆ (discrimination against ¹³C during photosynthetic CO₂ - uptake) among cultivars and salinity levels. Salinity reduced straw, grain weight and the average value of ∆ in all the cultivars. The reduction caused by salinity varied among cultivars. Barley had larger values of ∆ than did wheat and there was a positive correlation between ∆ and production of straw (r = 0.36), grain (r = 0.44) and total biomass (r = 0.47).

Atomic Energy Agricultural Research Centre, Tandojam, Pakistan.

Department of Industry, Technology and Commerce, GPO Box 9839, Canberra 2601, Australia.