Sustainable Production of Pulses under Saline Lands in India

The decreasing agricultural lands along with waste lands and poor water resources are the main constraints for sustainable agricultural production. The need of time is to produce maximum with minimum inputs. Depleting levels of major and micro-nutrients in Indian soils have been on the rise, and situation may be more harmful if corrective measures are not followed in time. The soil nutrient deficiencies significantly reduce the crop yields in addition to the soil fertility. In preview of this, the need of the hour is to conserve agricultural sustainability, soil health enhancement, and water management. Farmers are forced to use saline water for irrigation in areas with poor quality water or less available water for irrigation, specifically in arid or semi-arid regions. Every crop plants have threshold limit of tolerance beyond which salinity decreases the crop yield. Legumes are very sensitive crops towards soil salinity, and secondary salinization mainly through irrigation water is the hardest challenge for survival of legume crops in arid regions. In view of this, the sustainability of legumes in salt affected areas is a big challenge for crop productivity being sessile to salinity. Hence, the possible strategies for sustainability of salt sensitive legumes have been briefly reviewed in this chapter

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Not AvailableAccording to UNEP Report, globally some 20% of agricultural land under irrigation has become salt affected. In India, salt-affected soils occupy an area of about 6.73 million ha of which saline and sodic soils constitute roughly 40 and 60%, respectively. Several inorganic minerals are essential for plant growth and these are usually obtained by roots from the soil. The agricultural scenario is getting worse due to various abiotic stress factors. Since the agricultural land is limited and resistant varieties of crop plants are not available, so there is an emergent need to make the crop plants suitable to this changing scenario. In this situation, one of the ways is to identify more and more resistant varieties to make the crop plants sustain their growth and productivity in such challenging environment. Apart from the goal of genetically improving the stress tolerance of crop plants, abiotic stress tolerance research requires an understanding of subjects ranging from gene regulation, signal transduction to ion transport, and mineral nutrition involving responses to cellular osmotic and ionic stresses and their consequent secondary stresses (e.g. oxidative stress). Availability of minerals in the soil is determined by the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil. For crops it is essential to match nutrient supply to demand throughout the growth season to obtain the maximum yield. Thus soil nutrient profiling can be used as agricultural indicators of crop nutrient status and the potential for fertilizer leaching losses. Although there are large numbers of reports in the literature mainly dealing with water relations, photosynthesis and accumulation of various inorganic ions and organic metabolites related to salinity, the metabolic sites at which salt stress damages plants and conversely the adaptive mechanisms utilized by plants to survive salinity stress are still not well understood. This is due to fact that there are no well-defined plant indicators for salinity tolerance that could practically be used enhancing salinity tolerance in important crops Thus, in need of time, this training was proposed to review the possible strategies to find out the mechanisms and possible indicators underlying in providing tolerance which can be used in crop improvement programmes.ICA

Salt Tolerance Potential in Onion: Confirmation through Physiological and Biochemical Traits

Production of many crops, including onion, under salinity is lagging due to limited information on the physiological, biochemical and molecular mechanisms of salt stress tolerance in plants. Hence, the present study was conducted to identify salt-tolerant onion genotypes based on physiological and biochemical mechanisms associated with their differential responses. Thirty-six accessions were evaluated under control and salt stress conditions, and based on growth and bulb yield. Results revealed that plant height (6.07%), number of leaves per plant (3.07%), bulb diameter (11.38%), bulb yield per plant (31.24%), and total soluble solids (8.34%) were reduced significantly compared to control. Based on percent bulb yield reduction, seven varieties were classified as salt tolerant (with 40% yield reduction) and the remaining as moderately tolerant (with 20 to 40% yield reduction). Finally, seven salt-tolerant and seven salt-sensitive accessions were selected for detailed study of their physiological and biochemical traits and their differential responses under salinity. High relative water content (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI), proline content (PRO), and better antioxidants such as super oxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POX), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were observed in tolerant accessions, viz. POS35, NHRDF Red (L-28), GWO 1, POS36, NHRDF Red-4 (L-744), POS37, and POS38. Conversely, increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content, reduced activity of antioxidants, more membrane injury, and high Na+/K+ ratio were observed in sensitive accessions, viz. ALR, GJWO 3, Kalyanpur Red Round, NHRDF Red-3 (L-652), Agrifound White, and NHRDF (L-920). Stepwise regression analysis identified bulb diameter), plant height, APX, stomatal conductance (gS), POX, CAT, MDA, MSI, and bulb Na+/K+ ratio as predictor traits accounting for maximum variation in bulb yield under salinity. The identified seven salt-tolerant varieties can be used in future onion breeding programs for developing tolerant genotypes for salt-prone areas

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Not AvailableScreening of chickpea lines for salt tolerance through seed germination and early seedling growth is crucial for their evaluation. Seeds of 30 chickpea genotypes were germinated on a sand bed irrigated with saline (3, 6, 9, 12 dS/m) and control solutions which were artificially developed in the soil through saline irrigation for 30 days. At the early seedling stage (25-30) days, germination percentage, chlorophyll content, proline, root length, shoot length and seedling dry weight were found to be affected due to salinity. Salt tolerance index (STI) for plant biomass maintained a significant correlation with chlorophyll, proline, shoot length, and root length, which indicated that these parameters could be used as selection criteria for screening chickpea genotypes against salt stress. Significant differences in shoot length, root length, and seedling dry weight in 30-day-old seedlings were observed among selected chickpea genotypes as well. From the overall observation of germination characterstics and early seedling growth, it is concluded that the chickpea genotypes, HC-1, HC-5, ICC 867, ICC 5003, H-10-41 showed better salt tolerance as compared to the available salt tolerant check variety.Not Availabl

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Not AvailableSalinity stress is a major constraint to sustainable crop production due to its adverse impact on crop growth, physiology, and productivity. As potato is the fourth most important staple food crop, enhancing its productivity is necessary to ensure food security for the ever-increasing population. Identification and cultivation of salt-tolerant potato genotypes are imperative mitigating strategies to cope with stress conditions. For this purpose, fifty-three varieties of potato were screened under control and salt stress conditions for growth and yield-related traits during 2020. Salt stress caused a mean reduction of 14.49%, 8.88%, and 38.75% in plant height, stem numbers, and tuber yield, respectively in comparison to control. Based on percent yield reduction, the genotypes were classified as salt-tolerant (seven genotypes), moderately tolerant (thirty-seven genotypes), and salt-sensitive genotypes (nine genotypes). Seven salt-tolerant and nine salt-sensitive genotypes were further evaluated to study their responses to salinity on targeted physiological, biochemical, and ionic traits during 2021. Salt stress significantly reduced the relative water content (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI), photosynthesis rate (Pn), transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance, and K+/Na+ ratio in all the sixteen genotypes; however, this reduction was more pronounced in salt-sensitive genotypes compared to salt-tolerant ones. The better performance of salt-tolerant genotypes under salt stress was due to the strong antioxidant defense system as evidenced by greater activity of super oxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POX), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and better osmotic adjustment (accumulation of proline). The stepwise regression approach identified plant height, stem numbers, relative water content, proline content, H2O2, POX, tuber K+/Na+, and membrane stability index as predominant traits for tuber yield, suggesting their significant role in alleviating salt stress. The identified salt-tolerant genotypes could be used in hybridization programs for the development of new high-yielding and salt-tolerant breeding lines. Further, these genotypes can be used to understand the genetic and molecular mechanism of salt tolerance in potato.Not Availabl

Salinity Stress Tolerance in Potato Cultivars: Evidence from Physiological and Biochemical Traits

Salinity stress is a major constraint to sustainable crop production due to its adverse impact on crop growth, physiology, and productivity. As potato is the fourth most important staple food crop, enhancing its productivity is necessary to ensure food security for the ever-increasing population. Identification and cultivation of salt-tolerant potato genotypes are imperative mitigating strategies to cope with stress conditions. For this purpose, fifty-three varieties of potato were screened under control and salt stress conditions for growth and yield-related traits during 2020. Salt stress caused a mean reduction of 14.49%, 8.88%, and 38.75% in plant height, stem numbers, and tuber yield, respectively in comparison to control. Based on percent yield reduction, the genotypes were classified as salt-tolerant (seven genotypes), moderately tolerant (thirty-seven genotypes), and salt-sensitive genotypes (nine genotypes). Seven salt-tolerant and nine salt-sensitive genotypes were further evaluated to study their responses to salinity on targeted physiological, biochemical, and ionic traits during 2021. Salt stress significantly reduced the relative water content (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI), photosynthesis rate (Pn), transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance, and K+/Na+ ratio in all the sixteen genotypes; however, this reduction was more pronounced in salt-sensitive genotypes compared to salt-tolerant ones. The better performance of salt-tolerant genotypes under salt stress was due to the strong antioxidant defense system as evidenced by greater activity of super oxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POX), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and better osmotic adjustment (accumulation of proline). The stepwise regression approach identified plant height, stem numbers, relative water content, proline content, H2O2, POX, tuber K+/Na+, and membrane stability index as predominant traits for tuber yield, suggesting their significant role in alleviating salt stress. The identified salt-tolerant genotypes could be used in hybridization programs for the development of new high-yielding and salt-tolerant breeding lines. Further, these genotypes can be used to understand the genetic and molecular mechanism of salt tolerance in potato

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Not AvailableSince the last few decades, many challenges such as stagnating yields, decreasing factor productivity, fast receding water table, climate variability, deteriorating soil health due to excessive use of fertilizers and increasing environmental pollution seem to present a grave threat to the continued relevance of rice-wheat cropping system. In this backdrop, this training was organized to aware the farmers about balanced use of fertilizers for maintaining soil health through an interface between the multi-disciplinary team of scientists/extension functionaries and the farmers to analyze their field problems so as to create awareness and suggest appropriate remedial measures for profitable agricultural production. 25 farmers participated in this programme.Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna, Govt of Haryan

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Not AvailableGrafting on salt tolerant eggplant rootstocks can be a promising approach for enhancing the salinity tolerance of tomato. In this study, the performance of tomato cv. Kashi Aman grafted on two salt tolerant eggplant rootstocks (IC-111056 and IC-354557) was evaluated against non-grafted control under saline (ECiw 6 and 9 dS m−1) and non-saline (ECiw ~1 dS m−1) irrigation for 2 years. Grafting improved tomato plant performance under salt stress. Moreover, rootstock IC-111056 outperformed IC-354557. An increase in the average fruit yield of grafted plants compared with non-grafted control at 6 and 9 dS m−1 was 24.41% and 55.84%, respectively with rootstock IC-111056 and 20.25% and 49.08%, respectively with IC-354557. Grafted plants maintained a superior water status under saline irrigation, evidenced with the relative water content and chlorophyll SPAD index, along with higher proline and antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase). Rootstocks mediated the partitioning of toxic saline ions in the scions by promoting higher Na+ accumulation (14% of mean accumulation) in the older leaves and lower (24%) in the younger leaves of grafted plants. This resulted in higher K+/Na+ ratios within the younger (active) leaves of the grafted plants. Our study demonstrates that grafting tomato seedlings on selected salt tolerant eggplant rootstocks is a viable alternative for improving plant physiological status and fruit yield under salt stress, through favorable modulation of salt ion partitioning in the scions.Not Availabl

Salt Tolerant Eggplant Rootstocks Modulate Sodium Partitioning in Tomato Scion and Improve Performance under Saline Conditions

Grafting on salt tolerant eggplant rootstocks can be a promising approach for enhancing the salinity tolerance of tomato. In this study, the performance of tomato cv. Kashi Aman grafted on two salt tolerant eggplant rootstocks (IC-111056 and IC-354557) was evaluated against non-grafted control under saline (ECiw 6 and 9 dS m−1) and non-saline (ECiw ~1 dS m−1) irrigation for 2 years. Grafting improved tomato plant performance under salt stress. Moreover, rootstock IC-111056 outperformed IC-354557. An increase in the average fruit yield of grafted plants compared with non-grafted control at 6 and 9 dS m−1 was 24.41% and 55.84%, respectively with rootstock IC-111056 and 20.25% and 49.08%, respectively with IC-354557. Grafted plants maintained a superior water status under saline irrigation, evidenced with the relative water content and chlorophyll SPAD index, along with higher proline and antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase). Rootstocks mediated the partitioning of toxic saline ions in the scions by promoting higher Na+ accumulation (14% of mean accumulation) in the older leaves and lower (24%) in the younger leaves of grafted plants. This resulted in higher K+/Na+ ratios within the younger (active) leaves of the grafted plants. Our study demonstrates that grafting tomato seedlings on selected salt tolerant eggplant rootstocks is a viable alternative for improving plant physiological status and fruit yield under salt stress, through favorable modulation of salt ion partitioning in the scions

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Not AvailableTo explore the comparative effects of field sodicity (soil pH) and irrigation water residual alkalinity (RSCiw) on physiological and biochemical attributes of salt tolerance, and crop performance of two wheat varieties (KRL 210, HD 2967), a total of 308 on-farm trials were carried out in sodicity affected Ghaghar Basin of Haryana, India. Salt tolerant variety KRL 210 maintained relatively higher leaf relative water content (RWC; 1.9%), photosynthetic rate (Pn; 5.1%), stomatal conductance (gS; 6.6%), and transpiration (E; 4.1%) with lower membrane injury (MII; −8.5%), and better control on accumulation of free proline (P; −18.4%), Na+/K+ in shoot (NaK_S; −23.1%) and root (NaK_R; −18.7%) portion compared to traditional HD 2967. Altered physiological response suppressed important yield-related traits revealing repressive effects of sodicity stress on wheat yields; albeit to a lesser extent in KRL 210 with each gradual increase in soil pH (0.77–1.10 t ha−1) and RSCiw (0.29–0.33 t ha−1). HD 2967 significantly outyielded KRL 210 only at soil pH ≤ 8.2 and RSCiw ≤ 2.5 me L−1. By comparisons, substantial improvements in salt tolerance potential of KRL 210 with increasing sodicity stress compensated in attaining significantly higher yields as and when soil pH becomes >8.7 and RSCiw > 4 me L−1. Designing such variety-oriented threshold limits of sodicity tolerance in wheat will help address the challenge to enhance crop resilience, closing the yield gaps and improve rural livelihood under the existing or predicted levels of salt stress.Not Availabl