Performance of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes under different salinity conditions

A greenhouse study was conducted during 1997-98 to evaluate the performance of 5 genotyes of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and 4 of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) at 4 salinity levels (non-saline, 4, 8 and 12 dS/ m) each predominated by chloride. Cotton showed a significant reduction in germination (%), plant height and seed-cotton yield with-the increasing salinity levels up to ECe 12 dS/m. Two genotypes 'H 777' and 'H 974' of cotton recorded significantly better germination than the 'H 1098', 'HS 182' and 'H 1170'. The differences among genostypes were statistically non-significant for seed-cotton yield. Wheat germination (%) decreased significantly at the salinity levels of 8 (24 %) and 12 dS/m (50%) compared with the non-saline treatment. The gram yield under 8 and 12 dS/m treatments reduced by 32 and 63% respectively compared with the control. The wheat genotype 'WH 157' had-higher germination (81.7%)and significantly higher yield than other varieties, viz 'UP 2338'. 'HD 2329' and 'PWL 343'.