Effects of salinity on uptake and distribution of Na+, Cl- and K+ in two wheat cultivars

Plants of two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars differing in salt tolerance were grown in sand with nutrient solutions. 35-d-old plants were subjected to 5 levels of salinity created by adding NaCl, CaCl2 and Na2SO4. Growth reduction caused by salinity was accompanied by increased Na+ and Cl- concentrations, Na+/K+ ratio, and decreased concentration of K+. The salt tolerant cv. Kharchia 65 showed better ionic regulation. Salinity up to 15.7 dS m-1 induced increased uptake of Na+ and Cl- but higher levels of salinity were not accompanied by further increase in uptake of these ions. Observed increases in Na+ and Cl- concentrations at higher salinities seemed to be the consequence of reduction in growth. Uptake of K+ was decreased; more in salt sensitive cultivar. This was also accompanied by differences in its distribution.