Emergence of nine varieties of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in salinized soil cultures

SUMMARYNine high-oil varieties of sunflower were evaluated for their reactions to salinity during emergence in salinized soil culture ranging from 0 to 12·80 mmhos/cm under controlled temperature of 27±1 °C. The varieties were Louck, Vniimk-8931, Chernianka-66, Record, Armarisky, Peredovik, Orizont, Mhjak and Zarea.Soil salinity decreased the percentage of emergence in all varieties of sunflower. The rate of decrease in emergence of some varieties was greater than others. Among varieties tested Vniimk-8931 (a tall variety) and Chernianka-66 (a dwarf variety) showed the highest and the lowest tolerance to salinity at 7·60 mmhos/cm, respectively. For electric conductivities above 7·60 mmhos/cm, the nine varieties of sunflower could be classified in three categories. Vniimk-8931, Record, Louck, Peredovik and Armarisky as high salt tolerant, Mhjak and Orizont as medium salt tolerant and Chernianka-66 as low salt tolerant varieties.