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Abstract

Salinity in the growth medium causes significant reduction in plant growth parameters like leaf area, leaf length, root and shoot dry weight etc. The present study was conducted to assess the effect of salt stress on morphological and biochemical characteristics of sunflower. The hybrid (Samsung-600) seeds were grown under normal and saline conditions. The plants were treated with different doses of sodium chloride. Salt stress significantly reduced plant height, number of leaves, fresh and dry plant weight. Salinity increased the moisture in seeds. The moisture percentage increased with increase in NaCl treatment. Salt stress increased the ash contents in the seeds. Similarly, salinity stress considerably increased the accumulation of proteins contents and fats in the seeds but caused reduction in crude fibers percentage. Carbohydrates also showed a decreased tendency with increase in NaCl concentration.
Keywords: Morphological; Biochemical; Characteristics; Salt stress; Sunflower
http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2016.50085