Effect of salt stress on the content of the Na⁺, K⁺, Mg2⁺ and Ca²⁺ in barley (<i>Hordeumvulgare</i> L.)

Abstract

Salinity affects large areas that cannot be exploited. However, the right choice of species and varieties can contribute to the development of these marginal areas and to have an important food source. In this context, our study aims to test 16 varieties of barley under salt stress, to measure certain cations in order to determine a better tolerate varieties to salt stress. Three levels of salt stress (NaCl) were chosen 80, 130 and 180mM. The test is conducted under greenhouse in pots to determine the Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ contents of both parts of the plant (shoot and root) at the heading stage. The results show increasing levels of Na+ with increasing levels of salt stress in both parts of the plant. The K⁺, Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺, showed decreases in both parts of the plant. The test has made it possible to classify the varieties in relation to the salt stress especially by the ratio K⁺/ Na⁺.