Morphophysiological Responses of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes to Salinity Stress during Germination Stage

Salinity hinders seed germination and causes a delay in emergence, diminishes photosynthesis, promotes senescence, and eventually reduces crop yields. This study examined the impact of soil salinity levels (0, 100, and 200 mM) on seed germination and seedling growth in seven rice cultivars. The parameters, viz. germination rate, mean germination time, root and shoot length, root and shoot fresh weight, and seedling height stress index, assessed during the germination and early seedling phases were found to be influenced by salinity, genotypes, and their interactions. Results showed that increased salinity levels led to an increase in germination time and a decrease in germination index. According to the study’s findings, cultivars MR211, MR220, and Pokkali had the highest values for the characteristics being examined. In contrast, all cultivars showed a decline in these characteristics as saline levels rose. Under conditions of salt stress, genotypes MR211, MR220, and Pokkhali outperformed other genotypes in terms of seedling growth in root and shoot length. Based on their germination index and average germination time, Pokkhali and BR29 can be categorised as salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive, respectively.