Short-term salinity induced changes in two wheat cultivars at different growth stages

Soluble sugars, proline, total chlorophyll contents and electrolyte leakage were measured in two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars KRL 1-4 and HD 2009 at different growth stages [crown root initiation (CRI), flowering, and soft dough] under short term salinity (NaCl, CaCl2 and Na2SO4). In control plants sugar contents were maximum at flowering stage. Proline and sugar concentrations increased in both cultivars under salinity with a maximum increase at CRI. Electrolyte leakage increased and chlorophyll content decreased with the plant age. A sharp increase of electrolyte leakage was noticed at salinity of 10 and 15 dS m(-1) in HD 2009 and KRL 1-4, respectively. The short-term salinity at CRI stage proved more detrimental as compared to salinity at flowering and soft dough stages in term of all biochemical changes induced. In wheat, plant resistance to salinity increased with the age of plant. The cultivar KRL 1-4 performed better under salinity as compared to HD 2009.