Effect of long-term salinity stress on growth and nutrient uptake in contrasting wheat genotypes

A pot culture experiment was conducted to study the effect of soil salinity on physiological and growth parameters and nutrient uptake in different wheat genotypes. Salinity induced declines in root surface area, total biomass, relative water content, chlorophyll content, leaf area, grain yield, and content of potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) in leaves were significantly less in Kharchia 65 and HD 2009 as compared to HD 2687 and WL 711. Salinity stress led to changes in nutrient balance of the plants. Salinity induced increase in sodium (Na) content was less in Kharchia 65, which also showed comparatively higher K/Na and Ca/Na ratio. Salt stress reduced the nitrogen content in leaves of wheat genotypes. Contents of Fe, Mn and Mg were reduced due to soil salinity, whereas Cu and Zn contents increased under salinity. Salinity tolerant genotype Kharchia 65 showed lesser alterations in nutrient content than the susceptible genotypes, maintaining optimum nutrient levels in leaves and seeds. © 2014 Indian Society for Plant Physiology.