In vitro physiological screening of pigeonpea genotypes under salt stress

Twenty two pigeonpea genotypes were screened on the basis of physiological parameters at eight day old seedling stage with 20, 30, 40, and 50mM NaCl concentrations. Screening was carried out for the following physiological parameters-per cent germination, RL/SL, RFW/SFW, RDW/SDW and SVI. Moreover STI and SSI were also investigated for all genotypes to determine the tolerance and sensitivity respectively. Genotypes differed significantly at higher NaCl concentration (40 and 50mM NaCl) for RL, SL and SVI due to increased ion toxicity. On the basis of calculated STI and SSI for vigour index, genotype AL 1816 was found to be tolerant and AL 1881 sensitive, at 40 and 50mM NaCl concentration, respectively.