Soil salinity effect on soluble saccharides, phenol, fatty acid and mineral contents, and respiration rate of garlic cultivars

The effect of salinity on contents of water, soluble saccharides, phenols, minerals and on respiration rate in bulbs of five garlic (Allium sativum L.) cultivars differing in salinity tolerance was determined. Cultivar HG-6 was found to be the most tolerant followed by cvs. G-l and G-42, and cv. Aru the least tolerant to salinity. The cultivars which were tolerant showed lesser reduction in water content of the bulbs by salinity. Initial contents of phenolic compounds and sulphur were comparatively low in salinity tolerant cultivars but they increased under high salinity levels whereas reverse was found in salt sensitive cultivars. The fatty acids profile did not show significant changes under saline conditions. Contents of K and Ca were reduced, content of Na was increased and there were no changes in the contents of N, Mn, Cy Zn and Fe. The changes in soluble saccharides content and respiration rate were not found to be associated with the salinity tolerance.