Greenhouse and Field Screening for Salinity Tolerance

Developing alfalfa varieties with tolerance to salinity requires a multi-prong research approach. Because of the complexity of the plant by environment interaction a combination of laboratory, field and greenhouse selection techniques is most effective in addressing this complicated trait. At Forage Genetics our breeding strategy for salinity tolerance includes high throughput laboratory and greenhouse screens along with nursery and forage yield trials at multiple field sites with saline soils in CA, TX, WA, CO, SD and ID. Ion analysis of plant samples taken throughout the 2013 growing season from salt tolerant and salt susceptible plants in a salt nursery in SE WA, found differences in ion contents between salt tolerant and sensitive varieties. The correlation of K/Na ratio in alfalfa leaves and shoots may be an effective screening tool for salt tolerance.