Effect of Salinity on Germination and Early Seedling Growth Stages of Urdbean (Vigna mungo L. Hepper)

The present investigation, which was carried out to find out screening criteria against salt stress under incubator conditions in urdbean during 1999 comprised 18 improved land races collected from diversity rich zones of Uttar Pradesh and from NBPGR, New Delhi along with four check varieties were used. The study revealed the possible selection criteria for salt tolerance to be a combination of high germination and radicle length. A significant reduction in germination was found at salinity levels of 11.25 dS/m, but genotypes ShU 9503, ShU 9508, ShU 9518, ShU 9511, ShU-9532, Type 9 and PU 19 showed good capacity to germinate at this level. Most of these genotypes was also reduced at high salinity levels, ShU 9536, ShU 9511 and ShU 9519 gave better radicle length. Type 9, PLU 289 and ShU 9601 had high plumule radicle length ratio at various salt concentrations, indicating better salt tolerance over other genotype. Dry matter production was also reduced at high salinity levels and other genotype. Dry matter production was also reduced at high salinity levels and significant differences were found among the genotypes for dry matter production. However, dry matter obtained under salt stress was not found to match with good germination. Judicious use of selection on the basis of good germination (above 70%) along with high plumule radicle length ratio (more than 1) under salt stress condition can give a base for standardization of techniques.