Effects of Selecting for K+/Na+ and Grain Yield on Salinity Tolerance in Spring Wheat

Twelve S, selection, four from each of the three wheat varieties (Alexandria, Kharchia-65 and KRL1-4) were made on the bases of high and low K + /Na + ratio and yield. These were tested to know the effects of selecting for these traits. The S, lines A-1 and A-24 which were selected on the basis of high and low K + /Na + ratio were found significantly different for IC K + /Na + ratio. Similarly, Kh-1 (high K + /Na + ratio) and Kh-5 (low K + /Na + ratio) were also found significantly different for K + /Na + ratio. On the other hand, S, lines which were selected on the basis of high and low grain yield showed non significant differences. However, it is concluded from the results that high K + /Na + ratio may be used as selection criteria for salt tolerance in wheat. Grain yield per plant and its components, showed no significant differences between plants with and without fourth leaf. It is suggested from these results that sampling of fourth leaf have no effects on the grain yield per plant and these can be included with plant without fourth leaf in yield comparison.