Performance of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes under different salinity conditions

A greenhouse study was conducted during 1997-98 to evaluate the performance of 5 genotyes of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and 4 of wheat (Triticum a estivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) at 4 salinity levels (non-saline, 4, 8 and 12 dS/ m) each predominated by chloride. Cotton showed a significant reduc tion in germination (%), plant height and seed-cotton yield with the increa sing salinity levels up to ECe 12 dS/m. Two genotypes 'H 777' and 'H 974' o f cotton recorded significantly better germination than the 'H 1098', 'HS 1 82' and 'H 1170'. The differences among genotypes were statistically non-si gnificant for seed-cotton yield. Wheat germination (%) decreased significan tly at the salinity levels of 8 (24%) and 12 dS/m (50%) compared with the n on-saline treatment. The grain yield under 8 and 12 dS/m treatments reduced by 32 and 63% respectively compared with the control. The wheat genotype ' WH 157' had higher germination (81.7 %) and significantly higher yield than the other varieties, viz 'UP 2338', 'HD 2329' and 'PWL 343'.