Morpho-Physiological Traits Imparting Salinity Tolerance in Maize (Zea Mays L.) Hybrids under Saline Water Irrigation in Vertisols

Abstract

Maize is categorized as salt sensitive crop and identification of fairly salt tolerant lines is of paramount importance for increasing its production on saline soils. Experiments were conducted in randomized block design with 3 replications to identify maize accessions showing response to saline water irrigation, traits imparting tolerance and their effect on yield attributes of maize. Significant variation was present among genotypes for specific leaf area (SLA), potassium (K) content, cob characteristics, yield, biomass, harvest index. High amount of heritability with large genetic advance indicated presence of additive gene action for traits like leaf water potential and leaf dry weight. Association analysis revealed high correlation between key traits and direct as well as positive effect of these traits on yield. Principal component analysis could resolve three principal components (PC’s); and high leaf area and water potential were conferring salt tolerance and thus higher yield.