Effect of calcium sulphate (CaSO4) on seed germination and seedling growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The five wheat varieties (TJ-83, Mehran-89, Moomal, Anmol-91 and Abadgar-93) were investigated for their response to different concentration (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM) of calcium sulphate (CaSO4). The over all germination percentage of all five wheat varieties tested was good. The least affected variety at various salinity concentrations was Abadagar-93. The maximum and minimum root lengths were observed in TJ-83 and Anmol-91, respectively. Similarly for shoot length, the variety Abadgar-93 showed that maximum root length and the minimum shoot length was recorded in variety Moomal. Incase root elongation at various concentrations; maximum root elongation was recorded in Abadgar-93 and minimum values was observed in variety Mehran-89, similarly in shoot elongation the variety Abadgar-94 also showed the maximum root elongation. The maximum fresh weight of root and shoot was recorded in Abadgar-93. The maximum dry weight of root and shoot was r ecorded also in Abadgar-93. The analytical data for sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) content showed that the Abadgar-93 was the only variety, which has maximum Na+ content in both root and shoot respectively. Similarly in K+ content, the variety TJ-83 has the maximum K+ content in root/shoot at different concentrations of calcium sulphate (CaSO4). It could be concluded that varieties, treatments and their interaction were highly significant for germination percentage, root/shoot length, root /shoot elongation rate, root/shoot fresh and dry weight, root/shoot moisture content, sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) content in roots and shoots. Among the varieties Abadgar-93 recorded highest mean value after 96 hours of incubation in dark at 25 degree C under the different rate of calcium sulphate viz. 0, 50, 100, 150, 200 mM. The maximum Na+ content of root/shoot was observed in variety TJ-83. The maximum K+ content of root was observed in variety Abadgar-93. While, the maximum K+ con tent of shoot was observed in variety TJ-83 at various CaSO4 concentrations. Varieties Abadgar-93 and TJ-83 were proved to be the best tolerant against calcium sulphate (CaSO4) and these varieties may be cultivated under wide range of salinity level.