Abstract

Effect of five salt concentrations viz, 0, 130, 160, 190, 220 and 250 mM on germination and seedling growth of sorghum cultivars (Asian, Indian, Mycho and Summer graze) was evaluated under laboratory condition. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences for germination percentage, plumule and radicle growth, fresh and dry weight for different salt concentrations except moisture contents. Inter cultivars genetic variation and concentration x cultivars interaction showed significant differences for all the parameters studied. Data for germination percentage, plumule and radicle growth, fresh and dry weight and moisture contents clearly demonstrated varietal differences. Though results clearly showed that salinity stress decreased all the parameters studied for sorghum cultivars significantly, tolerance of sorghum cultivars to such high levels of salt stress is worth mentioning and it can be suggested that sorghum can be tried for cultivation on moderately saline areas.

Key words: germination percentage, plumule and radicle growth, fresh and dry weight, moisture contents.