Centre for Plant Breeding and Genetics, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore - 641 003, India.
Genotypic differences for tolerance to salinity at different growth stages were reported. Germination and seedling growth may be reliable parameters for rapid screening against salinity. Nine genotypes of chickpea were subjected to salinity stress during germination and seedling growth using different concentrations of salt solution. The germination percentage and seedling growth declined in all the genotypes with increasing salinity stress. Out of nine genotypes CO 3, CO 4 and ICC 4278 were more tolerant towards simulated salinity stress condition. PLS 5225-1 is less tolerant to salinity stress, while ICC 2812 was the most susceptible. During any physiological stress, growth, metabolism and development activities were adversely affected and plants can survive under adverse conditions through some adaptive mechanisms. The tolerant genotypes have higher proline contents as compared to susceptible genotypes.
