Salt Tolerance of New Lines of Wheat Genotypes in Saudi Arabia

Page(s): 4 (2), 31- 43, 11 Ref.Thirty-three wheat genotypes (local and introduced) were tested using three irrigation waters differing in salinity levels, namely tap water (EC =2 dS/m) and two salt solutions (EC = 12.5 and 18.75 dS/m). The salt solutions were made by mixing NaCl, CaCl2.2H2O and MgCl2.6H2O with water. Salt tolerance of the genotypes tested was significantly different at the various salinity levels. In general, plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, number of tillers, length of spike and number of spikelets per spike decreased as the salt stress increased. Among the thirty three genotypes tested, 3400-1-3 and XV 1861 proved to be the most tolerant, while Mexicani, West 64 x Pro 70, 183x Y508 and HD-852-5-50Y showed the least tolerance except at the vegetative stage.Khartoum University Pres