EFFECT OF NaCl SALINITY ON SEED GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF MUNGBEAN CULTIVARS

The effect of different salinity levels on germination, seedling growth, seedling vigour and chlorophyll contents of five mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] cultivars viz. Pusa Baisakhi, PS-7, B-105, Pusa-105 and Suniana was studied. The percentage of germination, seedling growth parameters and seedling vigour index were found to decrease under salinity stress. Salinity caused reduction in chlorophyll contents, chlorophyll a/b ratio and chlorophyll stability index. Among the five cultivars studied Pusa Baisakhi showed better growth performance and comparatively higher tolerance to salinity.