Forage yield components of some tolerant and sensitive grass pea genotype seedlings affected by the salinity stress

Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is relatively tolerant to several abiotic stresses such as salinity. Twenty-five grass genotypes provided by the Dryland Agricultural Research Institute, Maragheh, Iran, were exposed four salinity levels (0, 40, 80, 120 mM). Based on primary screen, 8 and 17 sensitive selected. Principal components analysis for showed that first explained approximately 71-80% of variance. In PCA, coefficients associated with leaf that, in genotypes, length number increased but, width decreased. other words, stress makes leaves grow larger longer, but decreases angle becomes tighter. So, these traits may be used an index tolerance selection programs. Cluster based Ward?s algorithm Euclidean distance measure effectively separated genotypes. Cut off dendrogram located (except one genotype) same subgroup. This fact shows cluster efficiently divided and/or semi-tolerant Shoot dry weight had significant negative correlation pH, plumule plantlet length. Path revealed direct effects pod shoot weight. stepwise regression, two including entered into model. The results most positive effect weight, plant height highest indirect through About fruit fresh Several characteristics identified explain during path analysis. selections characters would more effective improving yield breeding programs pea.