Alleviation of salt stress by K2SO4 in two wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) cultivars

Abstract

Salinity is a major abiotic stress which adversely affects productivity of all crops in the world specifically in cereals. Different strategies are being utilized to enhance the overall plant growth and productivity all over the world. The crop nutrients management is one the best options to increase the plant productivity in saline soils. The present study investigated the influence of potassium sulphate (K2SO4) in improving plant productivity and nutrient uptake in wheat grown under saline environment. Two wheat genotypes were subjected to different concentrations i.e., 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM of K2SO4 grown at 0, 150 mM sodium chloride stress. The use of K2SO4 increased the fresh and dry plant biomass of both wheat genotypes with a maximum increase at 200 mM K2SO4 under saline and nonsaline conditions. It was observed that the uptake and accumulation of nutrients like calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus increases in plants subjected with K fertilizer application under saline environments in both wheat genotypes.