Salinity Effects on Seed Germination and Plant Growth of Guar

The potential of guar [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] as a feasible crop for saline soils was tested in this study by evaluating seed germination of 42 accessions of guar in sodium chloride (NaCl) solution. The seeds were germinated in 200 mM NaCl or double-distilled water (control). There were significant differences in salt tolerance among the accessions tested. Percentages of seeds germinating in the salt solution ranged from 7.7 to 90.3% of the control, with the higher percentages suggesting greater salt tolerance. Twelve of the forty-two accessions were selected to study the effect of salinity on plant growth. Significant differences were obtained between the accessions for seed yield per pod, but not for seed yield per plant, plant height, branch number, and pod number (percentage of control). The presence of variation in the germplasm suggests some potential for selecting cultivars with increased salt tolerance. Salinity studies should include both germination and plant trials, because germination assays for salt tolerance do not necessarily predict plant growth and yield in saline soils.