Impact Assesment of Sodium Chloride on Seedling Parameters of Different Wheat Genotypes in Pakistan

The study was made in order to evaluate the response of fifteen wheat genotypes (grown in Pakistan) to sodium chloride salinity at seedling stage keeping two levels of salinity (150 and 200 mM NaCl) along with a control (no application of salt). The effect of varieties on shoot length of wheat was non significant. Maximum shoot length was recorded in MH-97 (15.55cm) while minimum shoot length was found in PBW-222 (10.35cm). The effect of different salinity levels was significant as well. The maximum shoot length was recorded at control and the minimum was found at 200 mM of NaCl. Regarding root length the interaction had a significant effect. Maximum value was recorded in Rawal-87 (20.77) at control and minimum was observed in Chenab-2000 (7.35) at 200 mM NaCl concentration. Different varieties had non significant difference in root length. While salinity had a significant effect on root length being maximum at control and minimum at 200 mM. Varieties differed significantly with respect to shoot fresh weight (gm). Maximum shoot fresh weight was recorded in AS-2002 (0.1170gm) and minimum in Rawal-87 (0.0527gm). Salinity effect was also significant being maximum at control and minimum at 200 mM NaCl concentration. It is concluded that soil containing such salt will affect wheat growth significantly irrespective of varieties used. At the same time wheat varieties AS-2002, MH-97 and Rawal-87 appeared promising for future programs of wheat improvement with respect to salt stress in Pakistan.