Relative performance of mustard (Brassica juncea) genotypes under salt stress at germination stage

Thirty six promising mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss] genotypes including CS-54 salinity tolerant genotype were screened under control and 12 dS m⁻¹ artificially created salinity level during 2006–07 under laboratory condition. Significant reductions in germination per cent, speed of germination, root shoot length, dry weight of seedlings and seedling vigour index were recorded under saline medium over control. Genotypes BPR-541-4, RH-0305, SKM-531, RH-0204, RH-0119 and RH-0116 were found relatively more tolerant to salinity at germination stage. These genotypes showed lower overall per cent reduction and also retained higher dry weight of seedlings compared to rest of the genotypes. It is suggested that seedling dry weight may be used as screening trait to identify salt tolerant genotypes of mustard at germination stage.