Effect of water deficit and salinity stress on morphological traits in early duration rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes

Abstract

The drought and salinity affects plant growth and productivity in rice and considered as severe threat to sustainable rice production across the world. Hence, this experiment was aimed at assessment of extant tolerance against both stresses and genetic diversity amongst 24 early duration rice lines for further breeding invigoration. The results revealed substantial reduction in Plant height, number ear bearing tillers, leaf dry weight, root dry weight and chlorophyll content when plants were exposed to reduced moisture and salinity. The effects of drought and salinity are generally apparent as a reduction in growth and photosynthesis. From the current research, it was observed that both stresses affected plant growth stages especially in panicle initiation stage.