Screening of Rice Lines (Oryza spp L. 1753) for Salinity Tolerance at Vegetative Stage under Senegal River Valley Conditions

Abstract

Rice (Oryza spp. L., 1753) is the most staple food cereal in Senegal. However, national production is low and cannot cover the country needs. Salinity limits rice production in Senegal River valley which is main rice growing area in Senegal. This study assessed salinity tolerance of 30 rice lines at vegetative stage in station of Senegalese Institute for Agricultural Research (ISRA) at Ndiol in Senegal River valley. Experimental design adopted was alpha lattice with three rehearsals. Observations were performed on plant height, main stem development and number of tillers. The level of salinity and pH in surface water, groundwater and soil were monitored. The results indicate that salinity affects plant height and tillering ability and among 30 lines, four were identified highly tolerant to salinity at vegetative stage. These are the varieties HK11-NDIOL-11-LON-1, D20-ART20-ARS-1, D56-ARS-NCRIB-1-1 and HK72-NIONO-5-1-1. The decision to incorporate these varieties in salinity tolerance breeding programs would depend on salt tolerance screening across all growing stages.