IDENTIFICATION OF SALT TOLERANCE TRAITS IN SUGARCANE LINES

Sugarcane, being a typical glycophyte, grows poorly on saline lands. I dentification and utilization of salt-tolerant traits can make an impo rtant contribution to greater productivity in these areas. Nine cane l ines were selected out of a vast gene pool, based upon contrasting mor phological characters and screened in pots and plots at germination, f ormative, grand growth and maturity stages of growth under 0 (= 2.5 dS m(-1)), 7, 14 and 21 dSm(-1) levels of sodium chloride. Significant di fferences were seen amongst the lines and growth stages. Salt toleranc e limit (EC50 value) of the lines varied considerably, being lowest (8 .63 dSm(-1)) in CP-71-3002 and the highest (15.51 dSm(-1)) in CP-4333. Characters like pink and waxy-coated stem, large number and area of g reen leaves, greater root and shoot yield, high-tillering and ratoonin g potential revealed positive correlation with EC50 values, while the dark green color of leaves, prolonged time taken to leaf rolling in sa line solution and increased leaf senescence under salinity were negati vely correlated. Lines showing xeric characters were better able to to lerate high salinity. To conclude, tolerant lines and salt tolerance-l inked traits identified here can be exploited to enhance the productio n of this crop in saline areas. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.