Division of Genetics and Plant Physiology, Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal-132001 (India)
25 days old seedlings of wheat varieties known for their sensitivity (HD-4502) and resistance (Kharchia-65) to saline conditions were exposed to isosmotie levels of NaCl and polyethylene glycol (PEG, 6000) induced stress in a hydroponic experiment. NaCl Proved more inhibitory to growth of HD-4502 whereas PEG was more deterimental to Kharchia-65. The poor performance of the salt sensitive variety under NaCl was traced to excessive accumulation of Na and Cl ions. The better performance of the salt resistant Kharchia was because of its success in osmotic adjustment without exposing itself to excess of ions.
