Effect of soil salinity on germination and survival of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

The present investigation was conducted at vegetable research farm, Department of Vegetable Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The desired levels of salinity were induced using sodium chloride, magnesium sulphate and calcium chloride in ratio of 2:1:1. Seeds of 102 brinjal genotypes were sown in plug trays. Each brinjal genotype was sown in two (Plug trays) sets. In each plug tray, 28 plants were sown. In one set of plug tray, normal water was applied. When seedlings attained 2 leaf stage (after 10–12 days of sowing), saline water treatment was applied to evaluate seedling survival under salt stress conditions. While in the second set of plug tray, saline water was applied immediately after sowing to evaluate germination percentage under salt stress conditions. It has been observed from the investigation that these genotypes were categorized as 19 genotypes under tolerant, 39 as semi-tolerant and 44 were susceptible to salinity on the basis of nursery and morphological screening trials. Out of these 19 tolerant genotypes, brinjal genotypes (SL-8-PB-1-3- 1-4 (Small Long), KBSR-343-1 (Small round) and BL-215 (Long)) may be recommended for future studies in salt-affected area of Punjab.