Effects of Soil Salinity and Growth Regulators on Germination and Seedling Metabolism of Wheat

Germination studies were carried out with the wheat varieties NP823, Karchia, Sonora 63, Sonora 64, Mayo 64 and Lerma Rojo in artificially salinized soil maintained at EC_e 2, 8, 12 and 16 mmhos/cm at 25°C. Early seedling growth and metabolism of variety NP 823 was studied in salt solutions alone and with addition of the growth regulators GA₃ and Cycocel (2-chloroethyl trimethylammonium chloride). Soil salinity both depressed and delayed the germination. Among the varieties tested NP 823 and Karchia were relatively less susceptible to salt injury while Lerma Rojo exhibited a maximum susceptibility. Salt supply also brought about a reduction in the early seedling growth, the release of reducing sugar and the amylase activity. The adverse effect on amylase activity was not mediated through the synthesis of enzyme protein but by an inhibition of the enzyme activity. Exogenous supply of GA₃ counteracted the adverse effect of salt on amylase activity and the release of reducing sugar but not on the early seedling growth.