Selection of wheat genotypes for salinity stress tolerance

The present investigation was carried out on seventy six genotypes of bread wheat including six checks with an objective to evaluate their salt tolerance and to estimate the genetic variability, correlation of different quantitative traits with grain yield per plant and among themselves, direct and indirect effects of various yield components towards grain yield and formulation of selection index for selection of superior genotypes. The experiment was carried out during rabi season at the Research Farm of RPCAU, Pusa. The observations were recorded on germination, early vigour, root: shoot ration, relative leaf water content, specific leaf weight, flag leaf area, plant height, number of productive tillers per plant, biological yield per plant and harvest index. The mean data with respect to these traits were subjected to statistical analysis. Variability existing in the genotypes were significant for all the characters under study except specific leaf weight. High estimates of phenotypic coefficient of variation were recorded for root: shoot ratio, flag leaf area and number of productive tillers per plant. Among the genotypes NW (S) 02-13 was the highest yielder followed by KYZO-295. Finally, on the basis of multiple regression analysis based on flag leaf area, spikelet sterility, biological yield per plant and harvest index, the genotypes viz., N)02-13, KYZO-295, NW(S)02-14, 2-K-142 and NW(S) 02-5 were identified as most promising for salinity stress tolerance.