Differential Lineal Response of Barley Germination and Growth to Controlled Salinity Conditions

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to evaluate germination and growth response of different introduced barley lines to salinity and to correlate their germination ability under saline conditions with their production ability under the same conditions. The effect of salinity on germination was assessed on 12 introduced lines and a local variety of barley. Germination test was conducted in petri dishes, using solutions of NaCI ranging from 0-25000 ppm. It was found that lines differ significantly in their ability to germinate under saline conditions. Moreover, germination percentage was decreased as the salinity of the media increased. However, some lines showed a lower reduction percentage in germination at 10,(X)0 and 15.000 ppm NaCI Concentration than others. This indicated the possibility of selecting barley lines with salinity resistance at germination.

Field experiments indicated that these lines differed in their growth response to salinity. Lines were divided into salinity susceptible and salinity resistant groups on the basis of their salinity susceptible index. Data also showed that yield under saline conditions was positively correlated to yield under normal growing conditions. Yield under normal and saline growing conditions was negatively correlated with salinity susceptible index. However, salinity susceptible index, and yield under saline growing conditions, were found to be not related to the germination percentage under saline conditions. It is suggested that the germination test is of a little direct use in breeding program for salinity resistance. It is also suggested that selection for yield under saline conditions, naturally or artificially would be a more productive method for improving salinity resistance unless other more efficient and rapid selection criteria are developed.