Performance of Rice Genotypes under Temporally Variable Wetland Salinity Conditions of a Semiarid Sub-Saharan Climatic Environment

In semiarid regions, soil salinity, like drought, restricts crop productivity, causing food shortages among most inhabitants—the smallholder subsistence farmers. Seasonal wetlands formed in these regions during the rainy seasons could be utilised for rice (Oryza spp.) cultivation to increase security, but is sensitive salinity. Field and greenhouse-pot experiments were performed at University of Namibia-Ogongo Campus, North-Central Namibia, evaluate genotypes’ responses seasonal wetland The field assessed 16 genotypes growth dry season grain production season, saline non-saline (control) wetlands. saline-wetland salinity was predominantly NaCl; electrical conductivity levels increased from 2.8 dS m−1 (rainy season) 34.3 (dry season), resulting a 0–14% dry-season plant survival rate. rainy-season decreased paddy yields all genotypes; however, Pokkali produced highest relative yields. pot experiment CG14 (salt-sensitive) (salt-tolerant) using soils collected bi-monthly wetland. reduced shoot did not affect Pokkali, while killed both genotypes. results this study suggest possibility cultivating salt-tolerant genotype, due salt dilution; would detrimental rice. More salinity-tolerance screening studies are warranted, order security Namibia other flood-prone worldwide.