Salt Sensitivity of Two Wheat Cultivars at Different Growth Stages

To determine salt sensitivity for wheat at various growth stages, a factorial experiment arranged as randomized complete block design was conducted in the ambient environment at the National Salinity Research Center, Yazd, Iran. Treatment were two cultivars of wheat (Kavir & Roshan) and salinity imposed at emergence, tillering, stem elongation, spike emergence and one week after anthesis. A control treatment was irrigated with non-saline nutrient solution throughout the growing season. Result showed that the most significant reduction of grain yield was observed when salinity imposed at emergence stage. Delay in imposing salinity in both cultivars, reduced grain yield less than the earlier stages. Salinity effects appear most pronounced on those component that are developing or growing at the time which the stress was imposed. In addition, both species were more sensitive during emergence and tillering, sensitive during stem elongation and relatively tolerant during grain filling period by the salinity. This study obviously showed that saline irrigation can not be used during the entire growing season of wheat crop. More grain yield can be achieved by using moderately or non-saline water at sensitive stages.