Screening of okra genotypes for their resistance to salinity and drought

Abstract

In the study, 37 okra genotypes have been investigated for their responses against salinity and drought stresses in early plant growth stage. For these purposes, several morphological and physiological measurements and analysis have been done. Shoot and root dry weights, plant height, leaf number, leaf area, relative water content, stomatal conductance, leaf osmotic potential, leaf water potential, shoot Na, K, Ca and Cl concentrations were measured and analyzed. Salt and drought tolerant and sensitive (intolerant) genotypes have been found out according to the responses of the okra genotypes to the above mentioned morphological and physiological parameters. At the end of the study, 37 okra genotypes were classified as tolerant, mildly tolerant or susceptible. The leaf water potential, osmotic potential, stomatal conductance, membrane injury, K, Ca, Na and Cl concentrations in shoot and root were more relevant parameter for screening studies.