The calli raised from different explants from seedlings of salt sensitive (L-144) and salt tolerant (H-75-35) genotypes of Cicer arietinum L. on B5 medium supplemented with BAP (1.5 mg 1−1) and NAA (1.0 mg 1−1) were subjected to different chloride levels, i.e. 0, 20, 40 and 60 me 1−1. With increasing chloride concentrations, there was a continuous decline in relative growth rates of the calli, starch content and a-amylase activity. Among the two genotypes, more reduction in RGR was recorded in the calli of L-144 genotype, more reduction in RGR was recorded in calli of L-144 genotype. The increasing levels of salinity enhanced the soluble sugar content more in the calli of H-75-35 genotypes. Cotyledonary calli accumulated more sugars than root and epicotylar calli.
