Genotypic Behavior of Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) towards Salinity

Abstract

Lentil is known to be sensitive or moderately tolerant to salt stress. Screening lentil genotypes for salt tolerance is of practical importance, therefore, a pot experiment on lentil comparing six genotypes (Masoor 93, Mansehra 89, NL 53, NL 40–62, NL 71–2, NL 73) and three salinity levels (0, 4, 8 dS m⁻¹) was conducted in greenhouse at NARC, Islamabad. Salt tolerance was assessed in terms of dry shoot biomass, plant Na and K concentration and Na/K ratio of lentil plant. The crop was found sensitive even at low level of salinity. A linear decrease in shoot biomass was observed in all genotypes. On an average, shoot biomass decreased by 54% and 86% at 4 and 8 dS m⁻¹ salinity levels, respectively. Concentration of K decreased and that of Na increased in plant tissues of all genotypes with increasing salt level. Differential accumulation of Na, K and Na/K ratio in lentil genotypes was closely associated with their salt tolerance. There was wide variability in Na/K ratio of lentil genotypes. Minimum Na/K ratio of 1.77 found in Masoor 93 and 1.81 in Mansehra 89 showing their more tolerance to salinity than other genotypes. Maximum Na/K ratio was found in NL 40–62 (2.79) followed by NL 71–2 (2.69) indicating their more sensitivity towards salt stress.