Effect of chloride and sulphate types of salinity on characteristics of chlorophyll content, photosynthesis and respiration of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Various regimes of predominantly chloride and sulphate salinity reduced chlorophyll (Chl) (a + b ) content and net photosynthetic rate (Pn) in two cultivars of Cicer arietinum L. However, the rate of respiration (Rd) was stimulated up to 6 dS m -1 of salinity and thereafter it declined with increase in salinity levels. Chloride salinity was more detrimental than the sulphate one as far as Chl (a + b ) and Pn were concerned, but R D was reduced more under sulphate salinity in cv. H-75-35 especially in 110 d-old plants. The cultivar L-144 was relatively more salt sensitive than the cv. H-75-35.