Effect of different salinity levels and exposure times on individual’s seed yield and yield components of hull-less barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

This research was conducted to study the effects of different salinity levels and exposure times on grain yield and yield components in a green-house experiment at Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources during 2007- 2008 growing season. A factorial sand culture experiment with three completely randomized replications was used. Salinity levels were -0.002, -0.25, -0.50, -0.75 and -1 MPa (NaCl) and three salinity exposure time (throughout the growing season, from two-leaf to double ridge stage and from double ridge stage to maturity). Results indicated that effect of salinity, salinity exposure time and their interaction effect were significant for seed yield and spike number per plant. Effects of salinity and exposure time for number of aborted floret and number of grain per main stem spike were significant, but their interaction wasn’t significant. The highest and the lowest yield and spike number per plant obtained belonged to control and -1MPa throughout the growing season treatments. Yield and number of head per plant decreased along with increasing salinity severity and exposure time. Significant correlation was seen between yield and number of grain per plant (r=0.97) and grain weight (r=0.77).