DefinePK

Abstract

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) belongs to family Poaceae. It is a cereal grain cultivated throughout the world. Rice is one of the largest crop products of Pakistan. In the present study of two varieties of Rice (Oryza sativa L.), Swat Sella and Punjab Basmati varieties were studied in vitro for the assessment of germination and different growth parameters. These varieties were subjected in hydroponic culture to 100mM, 200mM, and 300mM of NaCl and compared with control. The increase in concentration of NaCl adversely affected the seedling germination and growth parameters. The results showed that Swat Sella rice variety showed greater average number of seeds germination, radicle length and plumule length in 100mM, 200mM, and 300mM of NaCl compared to Punjab variety. However, in controlled medium, it was observed that Punjab variety showed higher fresh weight of seedlings, plumule length, root length of plants, shoot length of plants and dry weight of plants in comparison to Swat variety. It can be concluded that the Swat Sella rice variety is better adopted and can grow better in salinity compared to Punjab variety that grows best in non-saline conditions. 
Keywords: Rice (Oryza sativa L.); Swat sella; Punjab basmati; NaCl; Hydroponic culture
http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2017.60075