The effect of water salinity on growth and physiological stages of eight Canola (Brassica napus) cultivars

Laboratory/greenhouse and field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of salinity levels ranging from 1 to 12 dS/m on germination rate, 8 leaf seedling dry matter, seed yield, and seed oil content of the 8 Canola (Brassica napus) cultivars: ACSN1, Falcon, Shirali, Ceres, Tower, Cobra, Global, and Oyerka. Statistical results revealed that the factors: salinity, cultivar, and their interaction had significant (P < 0.01) effect on germination rate and 8 leaf seedling dry matter. Based on statistical analysis seed yield was significantly influenced by both salinity and cultivar at the 5% significance level; while the cultivar factor had a significant effect on seed oil content, salinity did not show any effect on seed oil content. Analytical results, using the well-known sigmoid or S-shape salinity response function gave reliable results for determining tolerant and sensitive cultivars to salinity. Applying an existing model on canola response to salinity levels in different growth stages, the values of C (50) and P parameters were developed for local canola cultivars. Results showed that the response of cultivars to salinity levels vary in different growth stages. While a cultivar is tolerant in a growth stage, it may be sensitive to salinity in another growth stage. Based on observed data and ANOVA analysis, we concluded that ACSN1, Shiraly, and Falcon can be ranked as salt-tolerant, and Global and Oyerka as the salt-sensitive cultivars.