Variations in Growth and Physiology of barley under Chloride and Sulphate Salinity

Abstract

Sulphate salinity, in general, was found more detrimental than chloride salinity in all the four cultivars, 40048 Morocco '88', Sunbar, Maris mink and 6-Row of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grown in hydroponic cultures containing iso-osmotic chloride-, predominantly chloride- and sulphate-, and sulphate- salinity. Amongst the cultivars, 6-Row appeared to be more salt tolerant and Malis mink and Sunbar comparatively salt sensitive in respect of shoot/root length and their ratio, photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance to water vapour and sub- stomatal C0₂ concentration (in 2nd leaf). Even interaction effects of cultivar versus treatment were prominent in cultivar 6-Row and chloride alone in the above mentioned parameters, thereby, indicating the resistance of 6-Row under chloride salinity as well.