Vol. 11, Issue 8 (2022)

Author(s):
S Reddy Veera Nagaveni, P Syam Sundar Reddy, Syed Sadarunnisa, VV Padmaja and Y Deepthi Kiran

Abstract:
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is an annual herb and commercial vegetable crop belonging to the family Malvaceae. It is grown throughout the tropical and subtropical parts of the world. But its cultivation is hampered in saline and Sodic soils as it is sensitive to salinity. Among the different abiotic factor’s salinity is one of the common factors that limits agricultural productivity. Germination under salt stress is the determining factor for most of the crops. The present experiment was carried out at College of Horticulture, Anantharajupeta to study the response of four okra cultivars i.e., Arka Anamika, Pusa Sawani, Pusa Bhindi-5, Local variety under four concentrations of NaCl (2, 4, 6 and 8 dS m^-1) along with distilled water as control. It was found that with the increase in salinity concentration there was a significant reduction in the final germination percentage, radicle and plumule length, seedling vigour index while increase in salinity levels enhanced the time for 50% germination and mean germination time. Maximum germination percentage, radicle and Plumule lengths were obtained with distilled control treatment followed by 2,4 dS m^-1 while minimum was recorded with high salt concentration (8 dS m^-1). Based on the results of the present experiment it was concluded that the cultivar Pusa Bhindi-5 showed the best results for germination and seedling vigour.