Genetic Diversity In Triticum Groups Under Saline Stress : Identification of agronomic and biochemical traits related to salt tolerance

Identification of agronomic and biochemical traits related to salt tolerance is also important criterion to be considered. Present study was aimed for the assessment of variations for salt tolerance among and within four Triticum groups with respect to agronomic traits and biochemical parameters including malondialdehyde (MDA) content, protein, superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and reducing sugars. Salt tolerance is a complex trait and does not involve single mechanism in providing tolerance. In conclusion grain number is an important trait under salt stress for determining yield where as number of spikes and spikelets are the important traits in determining grain number. Selection criteria of tolerant genotypes could be based on agronomic traits which are contributing to yield. Up regulated activities of SOD coupled with increased activities of POD and CAT activities and low MDA content can be useful biomarkers for the selection of tolerant wheat genotypes under salt stress. Accumulation of reducing sugars under salt stress is another important biomarker for the identification of tolerant genotypes.