Effects of salt stress on cucumber: Seed germination, vegetative growth and fruit yield

Seventeen cucumber genotypes were subject to four levels of salt stress (control, 2 and 4 dSm(-1)) in polythene sheet lined earthen pots using completely randomized design with three replications to assess the effects of salt stress on germination, vegetative growth and fruit yield. Combination of NaCl, Na2CO3 and K2SO4 salts were used to induce salt stress artificially. ANOVA revealed significant differences amongst genotypes and genotype salt stress level interaction for all the traits indicating differential response of the genotypes. Increased levels of salt concentration resulted in progressive reduction in germination (78.47, 43.67 and 24.90%), number of leaves (19.26, 10.56 and 6.30), survivability (93.77, 59.79 and 39.25%), vine length (88.99, 49.07 and 28.92 cm) and fruit yield per vine (1.10, 0.62 and 0.29 kg); while increased the affected leaves (28.73, 68.92 and 82.59%) and defoliation (13.39, 59.74 and 74.83%), respectively in control, 2 and 4 dSm(-1). Thus, these above phenotypic traits appeared to be promising as selection criteria for salt tolerance at morphological level. As a result, genotypes CRC-8 and CHC-2 observed salt tolerant, whereas DC-1, CH-20 and Pusa Uday were salt sensitive.