Study of salinity tolerance in 3 varieties of finger millets (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.)

Abstract

Abiotic salinity stress affects the overall growth of plants. It is a major issue in arid regions of the world and semi-arid regions of the world. Physiological changes like germination percentage, root-shoot length, turgidity, and Relative water content were determined in 3 ragi varieties (Indaf, Hasiru gambe, and Carr ragi) with salinity treatments at a concentration (of 0, 50, 75, and 100 mm). Biochemical changes like concentration of Proline, reducing sugar, protein, and chlorophyll content were also measured in comparison to the control. Salinity was given as a basal dose and sampling was done after 21 days. The salinity treatment was started after 5 days of germination. Out of 3 varieties, Carr is found to be salt tolerant and Hasiru gambe ragi is found to be susceptible to salinity stress.