Response of Wheat Varieties from Semi‐arid Regions of Jordan to Salt Stress

This study was carried out to determine the effects of salinity levels (control, 6, 12 and 18 dS m−1) on germination, seedling growth, some agronomic traits and proline accumulation in leaves of nine wheat varieties adapted to semi‐arid areas of Jordan. The tested wheat materials included eight durum wheat varieties (Haurani 27, Acsad 65, Om Rabbeeh, Sham 1, Safra Ma’an, Katma, Al‐Samra and F8) and one bread wheat variety (Diel Harthon). Final germination percentage, shoot and seminal root length, and all growth and yield parameters were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased by increasing salinity level. Proline content was significantly (P < 0.05) increased by increasing salinity. There were significant variety × salt interactions (P < 0.05) on final germination percentage, seminal root length, grain yield and yield‐related traits indicating that the varieties responded to salt differently. Sham 1 did not show any decrease in germination ability at the different salinity levels. Haurani 27, Acsad 65, Al‐Samra and Diel Harthon showed a nonsignificant reduction in germination potential at low and intermediate salt levels. Safra Ma’an and Al‐Samra showed the lowest reduction in seminal root length at low salt level and consequently exhibited the lowest stress susceptibility index ‘S’ values. Grain yield‐based stress susceptibility index ‘S’ indicated that Haurani 27, Acsad 65, Katma, Al‐Samra, F8 and Diel Jardoon were more salt tolerant than Om Rabbeeh, Sham 1 and Safra Ma’an. In conclusion, a similar salt tolerance was observed at different growth stages in Haurani 27, Acsad 65 and Al‐Samra. Consequently, these three varieties could be considered as salt tolerant and accordingly they are suitable for durum wheat improvement. Furthermore, Sham 1 had the highest ability to germinate at high salinity level indicating that it has a genetic potential for salt tolerance, at least at this stage of its life cycle.