Identification of Salt Tolerant Genotypes during Germination and Early Seedling Stage in Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of NaCl (0 dS/m i. e. distilled water, 4 dS/m , 8 dS/m, 12 dS/m and 16 dS/m) solutions on germination and seedling characteristics of five genotypes (Bindu, Tej1701, Lanka1820, Picnic and Seaty) of chilli. The genotypes and NaCl salt solutions were laid out manually by using completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications under laboratory conditions. NaCl salt solutions significantly affected seed germination in chilli and seed germination was decreased with increasing level of salinity. The shoot length, root length, shoot to root length ratio, fresh and dry weight of shoot and root decreased with increasing NaCl salt solutions and proline accumulation increased with increasing NaCl salt solution in the germination media as compared to control. Proline accumulation was maximum at 12 dS/m NaCl salt solution in genotype Picnic and minimum in genotype Seaty. Among the five genotypes of chilli, Bindu and Picnic were more tolerant to NaCl saline action as compared to Tej1701 and Lanka1820. The genotype Seaty was more sensitive to saline action. However, further studies are needed in this respect including more genotypes of chilli as well as the salinity situations of the actual field conditions.