Sodium exclusion is a reliable trait for the improvement of salinity tolerance in bread wheat

Abstract

ABSTRACTIdentification of novel wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) germplasm is imperative to develop salt tolerant varieties. In the first phase, 400 accessions were screened against high salt stress (200 mM NaCl) on the basis of Na+ accumulation in leaf blade, and 40 genotypes with contrast reaction to salinity were selected. Salt tolerant group (25 genotypes) had higher leaf K+/Na+ ratio, maximum root and shoot lengths, leaf fresh/dry weights and chlorophyll content as compared to the salt sensitive group (15 genotypes). In second phase, physiologically based screening was performed on selected genotypes against varying salinity levels (0, 100 and 200 mM NaCl). GGE biplot analysis indicates that genotypes TURACO, V-03094, V0005, V-04178, Kharchia 65 and V-05121 were the most salt-tolerant and declared winners as depicted by more gaseous exchange relations and growth potential which was strongly correlated with proper Na+, K+ discrimination in leaf and root tissues. Genotypes PBW343*2, NING MAI 50, PGO, PFAU, V-04181, PUNJAB 85, KIRITATI, TAM200/TUI and TAM200 were poor performer due to more Na+ accumulation in leaf ultimately retarded growth. In conclusion, low Na+ accumulation in leaf can be used as the best screening criteria, employing a large set of genotypes in a breeding program.