Evaluation of Different Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Genotypes for Sodium Chloride Induced Salinity

Several sunflower genotypes including hybrids, varieties, R-lines, CMS-lines and inbreds were initially screened in the laboratory to select saline tolerant lines. Initially sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations were standardized and later seven different concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 mM NaCl) were considered for the screening. Physiological observation viz., germination per cent, total seedling length (cm), per cent reduction in seedling growth over control and seedling vigour index were recorded. Later all the entries were classified as susceptible, moderately tolerant and tolerant lines. CMS-lines performed well even at higher osmotic concentrations. Many of the inbreds and R-lines were susceptible at 100 and 150mM NaCl concentrations. This screening technique can be followed for the initial screening of more number of sunflower genotypes in the laboratory before evaluating them in the field.