Low leaf sodium content improves the grain yield and physiological performance of wheat genotypes in saline-sodic soil

ABSTRACT Salt stress is a major production constraint in wheat. The maintenance of low Na+ accumulation the leaves may improve tissue tolerance against salt stress. A field experiment was conducted to discriminate twenty wheat genotypes, based on leaf as criterion for tolerance, and evaluate effect sodium biomass production, physiological yield traits genotypes grown saline-sodic environment. concentration determined young fully expanded at vegetative growth stage. were categorized into two contrasting groups (with high content), randomized complete block design, with three replications. (V-03094, V-02156, TURACO, V0005 PVN) showed much longer chlorophyll retention, K+ content, proline phenolic contents than genotypes. effects components also less content greater grain accumulating due enhanced number weight their tillers, which strongly associated higher efflux from leaves. accumulator improved seedling emergence (%) soil.