Genotypic Responses of Linseed to Tissue Ionic Distribution Under Sodic Condition

Ionic distribution in different parts viz, stem, leaf, capsule and seed of four linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) cultivars grown at different sodicity levels was studied. Large concentration of Na⁺ in stem, leaf, capsule and seed was observed in all cultivars accompanied by sharp decline in K⁺, Ca⁺⁺, Fe, Mn and zn concentrations. The concentration of nutrients also varied with advancement in age. Absorption and distribution of ion was influenced by increasing Na⁺ concentration in growing medium with increasing sodicity level. Neelum a sodicity tolerant cultivar had less decrease in K⁺, Ca⁺⁺, Fe, Mn and Zn concentrations in comparison to susceptible cultivars (Garima, Subhra and Local). In addition to absolute concentration and accumulation of ions, Neelum had low Na/K and Na/Ca ratio in stem and hence either of them may be better criterion for screening salt tolerant cultivars in linseed.