PJB-2020-486
Morpho-physiological, biochemical and genetic divergence of spring wheat cultivars under salt stress
Nazima BATOOL
Abstract
Salt stress is main environmental stress which affects wheat plant growth and development. There is a need to develop salt tolerant wheat varieties through morphological, physiological and biochemical screening. This study was conducted to evaluate wheat genotypes (Pasban90, Local white, Frontana and Chakwal97) at germination, seedling and vegetative growth stages under no salt and salt stress. In germination experiment, cultivars were tested against 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150 mM salt levels under controlled conditions. Results showed that gradual increase in salt significantly reduced seed germination index, germination percentage (G%), seedling vigor index (SVI) and mean daily germination of Frontana, Chakwal97, Pasban90 and Local white, in the order respectively. In hydroponics genotypes were analyzed under two treatment control and 150 mM salt stress. Data were recorded for root length, shoot length, root and shoot fresh weight, dry weight, total chlorophyll contents, relative water content, membrane stability index, osmotic potential, water potential, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, proline content, sugar content, protein content, peroxide dismutase (POD), super oxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. Local white and Pasban 90 showed better germination, seedling & vegetative growth in high salt levels. SSR based genetic diversity study showed that these genotypes are genetically divergent. These genotypes will possibly tolerate moderate levels of salt having implications for choice as parents in breeding programs.
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