Chlorophyll meter and leaf colour chart to estimate chlorophyll content, leaf colour, and yield of cassava

A field experiment was conducted with two cassava cultivars and eight levels of nitrogen to examine the relationship between extractable chlorophyll (Chl) content of cassava leaves and both the Chl meter value (SPAD) and leaf colour chart (LCC) score. The SPAD, LCC, and Chl a+b content were influenced by leaf position, growth stage, cultivar (cv.), and N fertilization. The cvs. and N fertilization had significant effect on SPAD, LCC, and Chl a+b content of youngest fully expanded leaf (leaf 1) blade in most cases. An F-test indicated that common equations pooled across cvs., N fertilization, and growth stages could be used to describe the relationships between Chl a+b content and LCC and between SPAD and LCC, but not between SPAD and Chl a+b content. Relationships between tuber yield and SPAD, LCC, and Chl a+b content were significant (p<0.05) and positive at 30 and 60 d after planting. Thus LCC and SPAD can be used to estimate leaf Chl content which is an indicator of leaf N status.     

Response of Spring Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Quality Traits and Yield to Sowing Date

The unpredictability and large fluctuation of the climatic conditions in rainfed regions do affect spring wheat yield and grain quality. These variations offer the opportunity for the production of better quality wheat. The effect of variable years, locations and sowing managements on wheat grain yield and quality was studied through field experiments using three genotypes, three locations for two years under rainfed conditions. The two studied years as contrasting years at three locations and sowing dates depicted variability in temperature and water stress during grain filling which resulted considerable change in grain yield and quality. Delayed sowing, years (2009–10) and location (Talagang) with high temperature and water stress resulted increased proline, and grain quality traits i.e. grain protein (GP) and grain ash (GA) than optimum conditions (during 2008–09, at Islamabad and early sowing). However, opposite trend was observed for dry gluten (DG), sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), SPAD content and grain yield irrespective of genotypes. The influence of variable climatic conditions was dominant in determining the quality traits and inverse relationship was observed among some quality traits and grain yield. It may be concluded that by selecting suitable locations and different sowing managements for subjecting the crop to desirable environmental conditions (temperature and water) quality traits of wheat crop could be modified.     

Use of a SPAD meter to estimate chlorophyll content in Eugenia uniflora L. leaves as affected by contrasting light environments and soil flooding

In three separate experiments, the effectiveness of a SPAD-502 portable chlorophyll (Chl) meter was evaluated for estimating Chl content in leaves of Eugenia uniflora seedlings in different light environments and subjected to soil flooding. In the first experiment, plants were grown in partial or full sunlight. In the second experiment plants were grown in full sunlight for six months and then transferred to partial sunlight or kept in full sunlight. In the third experiment plants were grown in a shade house (40% of full sunlight) for six months and then transferred to partial shade (25–30% of full sunlight) or full sunlight. In each experiment, plants in each light environment were either flooded or not flooded. Non-linear regression models were used to relate SPAD values to leaf Chl content using a combination of the data obtained from all three experiments. There were no significant effects of flooding treatments or interactions between light and flooding treatments on any variable analyzed. Light environment significantly affected SPAD values, chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl b), and total chlorophyll [Chl (a+b)] contents in Experiment I (p≤0.01) and Experiment III (p≤0.05). The relationships between SPAD values and Chl contents were very similar among the three experiments and did not appear to be influenced by light or flooding treatments. There were high positive exponential relationships between SPAD values and Chl (a+b), Chl a, and Chl b contents.     

Soybean leaf nitrogen,chlorophyll content,and chlorophyll <Emphasis Type="Italic">a/b</Emphasis> ratio

The objective of this study was to assess genotypic variation in soybean chlorophyll (Chl) content and composition, and to test if these data could be used as a rapid screening method to predict genotypic variation in leaf tissue N content. Chl contents and composition were examined among 833 soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) accessions and related to SPAD meter readings and leaf N content. In the initial year of the study (2002), the relationship between leaf Chl and leaf N contents (r ² = 0.043) was not sufficiently close for Chl to be useful as a predictive tool for leaf N content. Therefore, leaf N content was not determined in 2004 but samples were again collected for determination of Chl content and composition. In 2002, the soybean accessions separated into two distinct groups according to leaf Chl a/b ratios, with the majority of a mean ratio of 3.79. However, approximately 7 % (60) of the genotypes could be readily assigned to a group with a mean Chl a/b ratio of 2.67. Chl a/b analyses in 2004 confirmed the results obtained in 2002 and of 202 genotypes, all but 6 fell into the same group as in 2002.     

The Use of a Portable Non-Destructive Type Nitrogen Meter for Leaves of Woody Plants in Field Studies

The practicality of the portable, non-destructive type nitrogen meter (Agriexpert PPW-3000) was tested on ten forest species. Also investigated was the potential relationship between leaf nitrogen and chlorophyll (Chl) contents and the readings taken with the PPW-3000 and a Chl meter (SPAD-502). There was a significantly positive correlation between the readings of PPW-3000 and N content in the same leaves, whereas the correlation between leaf Chl content and the PPW-3000 values was less positive. Similarly there was a significant positive correlation between actual Chl content and the SPAD-502 readings and the less positive correlation between actual N content and the SPAD-502 readings. Thus using both the PPW-3000 and SPAD-502 enables to determine leaf N and Chl contents simply and non-destructively in the field.     

Responses of salt-tolerant and intolerant wheat genotypes to sodium chloride: Photosynthesis,antioxidants activities,and yield

Physiological responses of two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes (salt-tolerant DK961 and salt-sensitive JN17) to increased salt concentrations (50, 100, 150 mM NaCl: NaCl⁵⁰, NaCl¹⁰⁰, NaCl¹⁵⁰) were studied. Photosynthetic capacity, irradiance response curves, contents of soluble sugars, proteins, and chlorophyll (Chl), K⁺/Na⁺ ratio, and activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase) in flag leaves were measured on 7 d after anthesis. In control (NaCl⁰) plants, non-significant (p>0.05) differences were found in gas exchange and saturation irradiance (SI) between salt-tolerant (ST) and salt-sensitive (SS) wheat genotypes. However, we found higher soluble sugar and protein contents, K⁺/Na⁺ ratio, and antioxidant enzyme activities, but lower Chl content and yield in ST wheat. Salinity stresses remarkably increased soluble sugar and protein contents and the antioxidant activities, but decreased K⁺/Na⁺ ratio, Chl contents, SI, photosynthetic capacities, and yield, the extent being considerably larger in JN17 than DK961. Although the soluble sugar and protein contents and the antioxidant activities of JN17 elevated more evidently under salt stresses, those variables never reached the high levels of DK961. The antioxidant enzyme activities of SS wheat increased in NaCl⁵⁰ and NaCl¹⁰⁰, but decreased rapidly when the NaCl concentration reached 150 mM. Thus the ST wheat could maintain higher grain yield than the SS one by remaining higher osmoregulation and antioxidative abilities, which led to higher photosynthetic capacity. Hence the ST wheat could harmonize the relationship between CO₂ assimilation (source) and the grain yield (sink) under the experimental conditions.     

Terminal Heat Tolerance in Bread Wheat Determined by Agronomical Traits and SSR Markers

Since global warming affects wheat cropping systems, more has yet to be indicated on the parameters, which control terminal heat tolerance, and severely influence wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity. Identification of tolerant wheat genotypes by heat tolerance-linked molecular markers is a rapid and cost-effective screening tool in plant breeding. Accordingly, in a four-year field experiment (2015–2019), 44 wheat genotypes were selected out of 100 genotypes, and were examined in timely and late planting (mid-January resulting in heat stress). Stress decreased yield components, including 1000-kernel weight (TKW), grains per spike, and plants per square meter, and the physiological traits, including days to heading and days to maturity, grain filling duration, and greenness, and eventually decreased grain yield up to?~?28%. The early maturity genotypes resulted in higher yields under stress conditions by a stress-avoidance mechanism. Among 14 SSR markers, GWM577 was positively correlated with yield, and WMS3062, GWM261, and WMS1025 had positive correlations with longevity under stress. Accordingly, WMS3062 and GWM261 can be used to determine high yield and early maturity genotypes. Furthermore, GWM114 showed a positive correlation with TKW, indicating their usefulness for grouping wheat genotypes and for identifying heat-related markers. Since the crossing of the genetically distant genotypes can create more diverse populations, the results could be applied to plan breeding projects to establish more diverse populations for different chromosomal locations and traits under heat stress conditions. Moreover, our findings demonstrated that the morphological and molecular analyses could be useful for describing wheat genetic variation of heat tolerance.

     

Mottling phenomena and quality of grains of different genotypes of Durum wheat grown under limited irrigation conditions

Summary Field experiment was conducted to show the effect of one irrigation of 10 cm water applied to durum wheat (Triticum durum) at crown root initiation stage, active tillering stage, anthesis stage and compared them with non irrigated plot using A-206, A-28, A-1-8-8-42-1, G.W.-1 and A-23-10 genotypes under the conditions of salt affected areas having shallow saline aquifer, on quality, yield and mottling phenomena in wheat grain. Application of irrigation significantly increased the yield and decreased the per cent mottled grain and the maximum achievement was obtained when water was applied during the stage of anthesis. Non mottled grain contained higher protein than mottled grain and there were no considerable differences in other biochemical constituents. Genotype G.W.-1 stands first in its yield performance and low mottled grain.     

Comparative physiological response of wheat genotypes under terminal heat stress

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a staple food crop, is of great commercial importance. Its production is restricted due to multiple environmental stresses. There are indications that the wheat production is consistently limited by terminal heat stress. Previous studies revealed a varied response of different wheat genotypes under heat stress conditions. Here, comparative physiological changes in wheat genotypes viz., DBW-140, Raj-3765, PBW-574, K-0-307 and HS-240 were evaluated under timely and late sown conditions in rabi season. We observed that heat stress dramatically affects chlorophyll content and leaf area index (LAI) in sensitive genotypes whereas proline and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were higher in tolerant genotypes under late sown conditions. Further, the heat susceptibility index (HIS) for 1,000-grain weight, grain weight and grain yield of wheat genotypes viz., HS 240 and K-0-307 was highest as compared with DBW 140, Raj 3765 and PBW 574 genotypes. This finding suggests that wheat genotypes are found to differ in their ability to respond to heat, thereby tolerance, which could be useful as genetic stock to develop wheat tolerant varieties in breeding programs.     

Modulation of growth,photosynthetic capacity and water relations in salt stressed wheat plants by exogenously applied 24-epibrassinolide

Brassinosteroids promote the growth of plants and are effective in alleviating adverse effects of abiotic stresses such as salinity and drought. Under saline conditions, improvement in grain yield is more important than simple growth. Previously it was found that although foliar application of brassinosteroids improved growth of wheat plants, it did not increase grain yield. In present study, influence of root applied 24-epibrassinolide was assessed in improving growth and yield of two wheat cultivars. Plants of a salt tolerant (S-24) and a moderately salt sensitive (MH-97) were grown at 0 or 120 mM NaCl in continuously aerated Hoagland’s nutrient solution. Different concentrations of 24-epibrassinolide (0, 0.052, 0.104, 0.156 μM) were also maintained in the solution culture. Exogenous application of 24-epibrassinolide counteracted the salt stress-induced growth and grain yield inhibition of both wheat cultivars. Of the varying 24-epibrassinolide concentrations used, the most effective concentrations for promoting growth were 0.104 and 0.052 μM under normal and saline conditions, respectively. However, root applied 0.052 μM 24-epibrassinolide enhanced the total grain yield and 100 grain weight of salt stressed plants of both cultivars and suggested that total grain yield was mainly increased by increase in grain size which might have been due to 24-epibrassinolide induced increase in translocation of more photoassimilates towards grain. Growth improvement in both cultivars due to root applied 24-epibrassinolide was found to be associated with improved photosynthetic capacity. Changes in photosynthetic rate due to 24-epibrassinolide application were found to be associated with non-stomatal limitations, other than photochemical efficiency of PSII and photosynthetic pigments. Leaf turgor potential found not to be involved in growth promotion.     

Salicylic Acid Induced Salinity Tolerance Through Manipulation of Ion Distribution Rather than Ion Accumulation

In this research, the effect of different SA concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mM) on biological and grain yield as well as Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^?, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺ distribution and accumulation in barley plants was examined under nonsaline (2 dS m^?1) and saline (12 dS m^?1) conditions in a three-year field study (2012–2015 growing seasons). Storage factor (SF) was defined as the concentration of an ion in the root, as a proportion of total uptake of that ion, to quantify ion partitioning between root and shoot. Salt stress decreased SF for K⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺ and enhanced it for Na⁺ and Cl^?, which led to reduce grain and biological yield. Nonetheless, foliar-applied SA in varying concentrations could lower some of these adverse effects on ion transport and accumulation. At the 2nd and 3rd years, unfavorable climatic conditions such as less precipitation and higher temperature intensified salt stress and decreased the alleviating impact of SA. Foliar application of SA at higher levels increased SF for Na⁺ and Cl^? ions and decreased that for K⁺ indicating that SA helped barley plants keep more Na⁺ and Cl^? and less K⁺ ions in the root system, which suggested the probable role of SA in altering ion transport within the plant in favor of salt stress tolerance. SF was found to be more correlated with grain yield under both nonsaline and saline conditions. Overall, SF might be considered as a potential criterion for salt tolerance in barley plants.     

Genetic diversity of bread wheat genotypes in Iran for some nutritional value and baking quality traits

Genetic variation among 78 irrigated bread wheat genotypes was studied for their nutritional value and baking quality traits as well as some agronomic traits. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replicates under normal and terminal drought stress conditions in Kermanshah, Iran during 2012–2013 cropping season. The results of combined ANOVA indicated highly significant genotypic differences for all traits. All studied traits except grain yield, hectoliter weight and grain fiber content were significantly affected by genotype × environment interaction. Drought stress reduced grain yield, thousand kernel weight, gluten index, grain starch content and hectoliter weight and slightly promoted grain protein and fiber contents, falling number, total gluten and ratio of wet gluten to grain protein content. Grain yield by 31.66% and falling number by 9.20% attained the highest decrease and increase due to drought stress. There were negative and significant correlations among grain yield with grain protein and fiber contents under both conditions. Results of cluster analysis showed that newer genotypes had more grain yield and gluten index than older ones, but instead, they had the lower grain protein and fiber contents. It is thought that wheat breeders have bred cultivars with high grain yield, low protein content, and improved bread-making attributes during last seven decades. While older genotypes indicated significantly higher protein contents, and some of them had higher gluten index. We concluded from this study that it is imperative for breeders to pay more attention to improve qualitative traits coordinated to grain yield.     

Assessment of terminal heat tolerance ability of wheat genotypes based on physiological traits using multivariate analysis

Terminal heat stress is one of the limiting factors in wheat production and it is expected to rise under present scenario of climate change. The present study was conducted to evaluate the performance of 40 wheat genotypes under terminal heat stress conditions based on eight physiological traits. The plants were sown late (i.e. on 5th January) to expose them terminal heat stress. The genotypes were evaluated using multivariate analysis viz. Ward’s method of hierarchical clusters analysis, discriminant analysis and principle component analysis. The genotypes were categorized into three groups namely tolerant, intermediate and sensitive. Tolerant genotypes like DBW 14, RAJ 3765, HD 2643 and HALNA performed physiologically better in terms of higher membrane stability index (MSI), chlorophyll content, photosynthesis rate (Pn), harvest index under heat stress conditions. Genotypes HD 2987, SHANGHAI, HD 2402 and WH 730 were found to be heat sensitive. Physiological traits like MSI, SPAD value, Fv/Fm ratio and Pn were found to be most important contributor in grouping of genotypes and showed positive correlations (r) of 0.73, 0.47, 0.41 and 0.39 with grain yield, respectively, which is significant at p < 0.05. The large genetic diversity was found among the genotypes based on physiological traits. These genotypes can be utilized in wheat improvement programme for heat tolerance.     

宽幅播种下带间距对冬小麦衰老进程及产量的影响

在大田试验条件下以多穗型品种‘百农矮抗58’和大穗型品种‘兰考矮早八’为供试材料,研究了宽幅播种(播幅8 cm)种植方式下不同带间距7 cm(KF7)、12 cm(KF12)和17 cm(KF17)对冬小麦(Triticum aestivum)衰老进程及产量的影响。结果表明:与常规条播(行距20 cm,播幅1—2 cm)相比,宽幅带播种植方式的花后旗叶叶绿素降解缓慢,丙二醛(MDA)含量降低,抗氧化酶活性增强,成穗数和产量提高。宽幅带播下不同带间距处理间差异因品种类型而异,矮抗58品种叶绿素相对含量(SPAD)、过氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性整体呈现为KF12KF17KF7,兰考矮早八品种表现为KF7KF12KF17,而MDA变化规律则相反。试验条件下,多穗型品种矮抗58以KF12处理、大穗型品种兰考矮早八以KF7处理花后叶绿素含量高,MDA含量低,抗氧化酶活性强,叶片衰老进程缓慢,产量结构协调,最终产量最高。     

Grain and flour quality of wheat genotypes grown under heat stress

Heat stress during the grain-filling period is the main abiotic stress factor limiting grain yield and quality in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In this study, 64 wheat genotypes were exposed to heat stress during reproduction caused by delayed sowing in two growing seasons. Grain yield, 1000 grain weight (GW), grain hardness (GH), and grain-quality related traits were investigated. Heat stress caused a significant decrease in GW through reducing starch content (SC) and a non-compensating rise in protein content (PC), and thereby resulted in lower yield. In addition, significant increases in flour water absorption (WA), Zeleny sedimentation volume (ZT), ash content (AC), lipid content (LC), loaf volume (LV), wet gluten content (WG), dry gluten content (DG), gluten index (GI), and amylopectin content (APC) were found following heat stress. In contrast, decreases in grain moisture content (MC) and amylose content (AMC) induced by heat stress were observed. The heat-tolerant genotypes were superior in grain yield, GW, SC, AMC, and MC. While the sensitive genotypes contained higher PC, LV, GI and AMP. A group of wheat genotypes characterized with a higher yield, AMC, GW, and SC as well as lower PC, WA, GH, ZT, and LV; and was found to be the most heat tolerant by principal component analysis. Lighter weight and smaller grains produce a smaller starchy endosperm with lower quality (less amylose) and higher grain protein content in heat stress compared to normal conditions. Heat stress caused by delayed sowing improves some of the baking-quality related traits.     

A comparison of hydroponic and soil-based screening methods to identify salt tolerance in the field in barley

Success in breeding crops for yield and other quantitative traits depends on the use of methods to evaluate genotypes accurately under field conditions. Although many screening criteria have been suggested to distinguish between genotypes for their salt tolerance under controlled environmental conditions, there is a need to test these criteria in the field. In this study, the salt tolerance, ion concentrations, and accumulation of compatible solutes of genotypes of barley with a range of putative salt tolerance were investigated using three growing conditions (hydroponics, soil in pots, and natural saline field). Initially, 60 genotypes of barley were screened for their salt tolerance and uptake of Na(+), Cl(-), and K(+) at 150 mM NaCl and, based on this, a subset of 15 genotypes was selected for testing in pots and in the field. Expression of salt tolerance in saline solution culture was not a reliable indicator of the differences in salt tolerance between barley plants that were evident in saline soil-based comparisons. Significant correlations were observed in the rankings of genotypes on the basis of their grain yield production at a moderately saline field site and their relative shoot growth in pots at EC(e) 7.2 [Spearman's rank correlation (rs)=0.79] and EC(e) 15.3 (rs=0.82) and the crucial parameter of leaf Na(+) (rs=0.72) and Cl(-) (rs=0.82) concentrations at EC(e) 7.2 dS m(-1). This work has established screening procedures that correlated well with grain yield at sites with moderate levels of soil salinity. This study also showed that both salt exclusion and osmotic tolerance are involved in salt tolerance and that the relative importance of these traits may differ with the severity of the salt stress. In soil, ion exclusion tended to be more important at low to moderate levels of stress but osmotic stress became more important at higher stress levels. Salt exclusion coupled with a synthesis of organic solutes were shown to be important components of salt tolerance in the tolerant genotypes and further field tests of these plants under stress conditions will help to verify their potential utility in crop-improvement programmes.     

Evaluation of wild <Emphasis Type="Italic">Arachis</Emphasis> species for cultivation under semiarid tropics as a fodder crop

Wild Arachis genotypes were analysed for chlorophyll a fluorescence, carbon isotope discrimination (ΔC), specific leaf area (SLA), and SPAD readings. Associations between different traits, i.e., SLA and SPAD readings (r =–0.76), SLA and ΔC (r = 0.42), and ΔC and SPAD readings (r = 0.30) were established. The ratio of maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (F_v/F_m) showed a wider variability under water deficit (WD) than that after irrigation (IR). Genotypes were grouped according to the F_v/F_m ratio as: efficient, values between 0.80 and 0.85; moderately efficient, the values from 0.79 to 0.75; inefficient, the values < 0.74. Selected Selected genotypes were evaluated also for their green fodder yield: the efficient genotypes ranged between 3.0 and 3.8, the moderately efficient were 2.6 and 2.7, the inefficient genotypes were of 2.3 and 2.5 t ha^?1 per year in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Leaf water-relation traits studied in WD and IR showed that the efficient genotypes were superior in maintenance of leaf water-relation traits, especially, under WD. Potential genotypes identified in this study may enhance biomass productivity in the semiarid tropic regions.     

Phylogenetic relationship of salt tolerance in early Green Revolution CIMMYT wheats

Twenty-five genotypes of early CIMMYT hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were screened for salt tolerance in a glasshouse experiment at 150 mol m⁻³ NaCl in sand culture. The genotypes Na(20)TPP, Penjamo 62, and Inia 66 exceeded all the lines in grain yield per plant under salt stress, whereas Nainari 60 and Norin 10 were the lowest of all genotypes. However, Jaral 66 and Yaqui 54 were the lowest of all the genotypes in all growth and yield attributes. Considerable variation in accumulation of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ in different plant parts of 25 genotypes of early CIMMYT wheat under salt stress was observed. The genotype Noreste 66 was the lowest in leaf Na⁺ and Cl⁻, and it had highest leaf K/Na ratio and K versus Na selectivity of all the genotypes, but in terms of growth and grain yield, it was moderately tolerant. The other genotype Norin 10 was the highest in leaf Na⁺ and Cl⁻ of all genotypes, but its leaf K/Na ratio and K versus Na selectivity were considerably low. However, in shoot biomass it was the highest and in grain yield the lowest of all genotypes. In view of phylogenetic lineage of the genotypes, most of the genotypes have evolved from Norin 10, so the trait of high uptake of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ in most genotypes may have been inherited from Norin 10. The ion exclusion trait in the moderately salt tolerant genotype Noreste 66 was possibly inherited from Yaqui 50 as it was the only among all putative parents which showed low uptake of toxic ions. Overall, owing to the complex nature of the salt tolerance trait being controlled by polygenes, it was not easy to draw relationships between degree of salt tolerance and pattern of uptake of toxic ions and maintenance of leaf K/Na ratios. However, from the phylogenetic lineage of the 25 genotypes it was possible to draw relationships between degree of salt tolerance and mechanism of ion uptake between parents and progeny.     

Assessing the Suitability of Various Physiological Traits to Screen Wheat Genotypes for Salt Tolerance

Success of improving the salt tolerance of genotypes requires effective and reliable screening traits in breeding programs. The objective was to assess the suitability of various physiological traits to screen wheat genotypes for salt tolerance. Thirteen wheat genotypes from Egypt, Germany, Australia and India were grown in soil with two salinity levels （control and 150 mmol/L NaCI） in a greenhouse. The physiological traits （ion contents in leaves and stems, i.e. Na^＋, Cl^-, K^＋, Ca^2＋）, the ratios of K^＋/Na^＋ and Ca^＋/Na^＋ in the leaves and stems, net photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, chlorophyll content （SPAD value）, and leaf water relations, were measured at different growth stages. The physiological traits except for Na^＋ and Cl^- in stems and the leaf transpiration rate at 150 mmol/L NaCI showed a significant genotypic variation, indicating that the traits that have a significant genotypic variation may be possibly used as screening criteria. According to the analysis of linear regression of the scores of the physiological traits against those of grain yield, however, the physiological traits of Ca^2＋ and Ca2^＋/Na^＋ at 45 d and final harvest with the greatest genotypic variation were ranked at the top. From a practical and economic point of view, SPAD value should be considered to be used as screening criteria and/or there is a need to develop a quick and practical approach to determine Ca^2＋ in plant tissues.     

Assessing the Suitability of Various Physiological Traits to Screen Wheat Genotypes for Salt Tolerance

Success of improving the salt tolerance of genotypes requires effective and reliable screening traits in breeding programs.The objective was to assess the suitability of various physiological traits to screen wheat genotypes for salt tolerance.Thirteen wheat genotypes from Egypt,Germany,Australia and India were grown in soil with two salinity levels(control and150mmol/L NaCl)in a greenhouse.The physiological traits(ion contents in leaves and stems,i.e.Na~ ,Cl~-,K~ ,Ca~(2 )),theratios of K~ /Na~ and Ca~ /Na~ in the leaves and stems,net photosynthesis rate,stomatal conductance,transpiration rate,chlorophyll content(SPAD value),and leaf water relations,were measured at different growth stages.The physiologicaltraits except for Na~ and Cl~-in stems and the leaf transpiration rate at 150 mmol/L NaCI showed a significant genotypicvariation,indicating that the traits that have a significant genotypic variation may be possibly used as screening criteria.According to the analysis of linear regression of the scores of the physiological traits against those of grain yield,however,the physiological traits of Ca~(2 )and Ca~(2 )/Na~ at 45 d and final harvest with the greatest genotypic variation were ranked atthe top.From a practical and economic point of view,SPAD value should be considered to be used as screening criteriaand/or there is a need to develop a quick and practical approach to determine Ca~(2 )in plant tissues.