SALINITY EFFECTS ON THE GROWTH AND ION CONTENTS OF SOME CHICKPEA (CICER-ARIETINUM L) AND LENTIL (LENS-CULINARIS MEDIC) VARIETIES

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.