Salt stress effect on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth and leaf ion concentrations

Crops growing in salt-affected soils may suffer from physiological droughtstress, ion toxicity, and mineral deficiency which then lead to reduced growth andproductivity. A pot experiment was conducted to study the effect of differentsalinity levels, i.e. ECe=3 dS m-1 (control), 8, 12 and 16 dS m-1 on wheat grainyield, yield components and leaf ion uptake. Desired salinity levels were obtainedby mixing adequate NaCl before filling the pots. Soil water was maintained at 70%of available water holding capacity. Results revealed that Kouhdasht and Tajanshowed highest and lowest grain yield and yield compomnents as compared toothers. Leaf Na+ and Cl- concentrations of all genotypes increased significantlywith increasing soil salinity, with the highest concentrations in Tajan, followed byRasoul, Atrak and Kouhdasht. Highest leaf K+ concentration and K+: Na+ ratiowere observed in Kouhdasht, followed by Atrak, Rasoul and Tajan, respectively.Based on higher grain yield production, higher leaf K+ concentration, K+: Na+ ratioand lower leaf Na+ and Cl- concentrations, Kouhdasht and Atrak were identified asthe most salt-tolerant genotypes.