T. Mamo et al., SALINITY EFFECTS ON THE GROWTH AND ION CONTENTS OF SOME CHICKPEA (CICER-ARIETINUM L) AND LENTIL (LENS-CULINARIS MEDIC) VARIETIES, Journal of agronomy and crop science, 176(4), 1996, pp. 235-247
The effect of salinity on seed germination, plant yield parameters, an
d plant Na, Cl and K concentrations of chickpea and lentil varieties w
as studied. Results showed that in both crops percentage emergence was
significantly reduced by increasing NaCl levels (0-8 dSm(-1)). From t
he plant growth studies it was found that differences existed among ch
ickpea and lentil varieties in their response to NaCl application. In
chickpea, the variety Mariye showed the comparatively lowest germinati
on percentage and the lowest seedling shoot dry weight in response to
salinity and was also among the two varieties which had the lowest rel
ative plant height, shoot and root dry weight and grain yield at matur
ity. Similarly, variety DZ-10-16-2, which was the second best in germi
nation percentage and the highest in terms of seedling shoot dry weigh
t, also had the highest relative plant height, shoot and root dry weig
hts, and grain yield at maturity. In lentil, however, such relationshi
ps were less pronounced. Chloride concentration (mg g(-1)) in the plan
t parts at salt levels other than the control was about 2-5 rimes that
of Na. K concentration in the plants was significantly reduced by inc
reasing NaCl levels. Chickpea was generally more sensitive to NaCl sal
inity than lentil. While no seeds were produced at salinity levels bey
ond 2 dSm(-1) in chickpea (no seeds were produced at this salt level i
n the most sensitive variety, Mariye), most lentil varieties could pro
duce some seeds up to the highest level of NaCl application. Overall,
varieties R-186 (lentil) and Mariye (chickpea) were the most sensitive
of all varieties. On the other hand, lentil variety NEL-2704 and chic
kpea variety DZ-10-16-2 gave comparatively higher mean relative shoot
and root dry weights, and grain yield, thus showing some degree of sup
eriority over the others. The observed variations among the varieties
may be useful indications for screening varieties of both crops for sa
lt tolerance.