Screening of Grape Rootstocks for Sulphate Salinity

Effect of Sodium sulphate (Na₂ SO₄) was recorded on various biochemical parameters of grape genotypes like Dogridge, Degrasset, Jawahar, H-516 and H-1204. Various concentrations of Sodium sulphate viz. Control, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 dS m⁻¹ had a significant effect on the reduction in shoot and root growth which can be considered as the criteria for relative salt tolerance. Based on these criteria H-516 and Dogridge recorded the lowest reduction in growth attributes. It indicated that they were relatively salt tolerant to growth of rootstocks. Overall such salinity tolerant genotypes have special significance in grape improvement programme, as rootstock can be used for grafting of seedless/wine grape varieties for their cultivation under sulphate salinity soils.