Assessing the effect of salinity stress on root and shoot physiology of chickpea genotypes using hydroponic technique

Abstract

A study was conducted in chickpea under hydroponics using best available water or saline water of ECiw 9 dS m-1 to assess the salt tolerance at early seedling stage. As compared to control a less than 25 % reduction in root length was observed in the genotype, CSG 8962, BG 1103, S7, ICCV 10, KWR 108 and JG 16 whereas ICC4463 showed maximum reduction (60.67%) under salinity. These genotypes also showed more proline, low Na+/K+ ratio and greater root and shoot water potential which might impart tolerance against salinity. Greater than 75% salt tolerance index was also shown by these genotypes. Stress tolerance index was found positively correlated with higher root length, higher proline accumulation, low Na+/K+ ratio and higher root/shoot water potential. The genotypes, S7, KWR 108, JG-16, CSG 8962 and ICCV10 have the potential to perform satisfactorily under salt stress and can be used for future chickpea breeding programme.