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ROLE OF PROLINE, K/NA RATIO AND CHLOROPHYLL CONTENT IN SALT TOLERANCE OF WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.)

M.A. KHAN, M.U. SHIRAZI, MUHAMMAD ALI KHAN, S.M. MUJTABA, E. ISLAM, S. MUMTAZ, A. SHEREEN, R.U. ANSARI AND M. YASIN ASHRAF^*

Abstract: Studies to determine the role of proline, K/Na ratio and chlorophyll contents in salt tolerance of wheat genotypes were conducted in lysimeters using hydroponics technique. Seeds were allowed to germinate under normal condition (1.5 dS m^-1) and salinity treatment of 12 dS m^-1 was imposed after one week of germination. Crop was irrigated at the interval of two weeks or whenever required with 1/4^th Hoagland nutrient solution of respective concentrations. Results clearly indicated that wheat genotypes with higher proline, K/Na ratio and chlorophyll contents had higher grain yield. On the basis of yield reduction, three genotypes viz. Lu-26s, Sarsabz and KTDH were found tolerant. These genotypes also maintained the higher concentration of proline, K/Na ratio and chlorophyll contents under saline conditions. 

Plant Physiology Division, Nuclear Institute of Agriculture, Tandojam, Pakistan.

Plant Stress Physiology Lab, Nuclear Institute for Agriculture & Biology (NIAB), Jhang Road, Faisalabad, Pakistan.