EFFECT OF SALINITY ON YIELD AND ION DISTRIBUTION IN PEARL-MILLET GENOTYPES

Responses to salinity of various pearl millet varieties along with some known tolerant varieties (Babapuri, MP-222, WCC-75, ST-II, MP-204, MH-330, HHB-60, and MH-1 79) from different sources were examined at salinity levels of EC 2.0, 6.0, 8.0, 10.0, and 12.5 dS m-1. Results showed that Babapuri, WCC- 75, and ST-II were more tolerant than others. Tolerance in these varieties may be attributed to higher Na and K accumulation in various plant parts compared to other varieties tested; the accumulation was pronounced in nodes and internodes at higher salinity levels. The tolerant varieties showed lesser effects of increased salinity on diffusion resistance, transpiration, nitrate reductase activity, and proline content in shoots than others. They could survive at salinities up to 12.5 dS m-1 where others failed to grow.