Evaluation of Salinity Tolerance Indices of Some Canola (Brassica napus L.) Genotypes

Salinity stress is one of the most important factors limiting the growth and production of crops. To evaluate salt tolerance of canola genotypes and identification of tolerant genotypes through salinity stress tolerance indexes, a factorial experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with three replications at Sari University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Factors consisted of 30 rapeseed genotypes and salinity at zero and 12 dS/m sodium chloride sources (NaCl). Based on higher values of tolerance and yield indices in normal and stress conditions, genotypes of Westona, 401Hyola, Ziho, Jef Neuf, Kunto and Alk were considered as tolerant genotypes and genotypes of skaria, Starlight, Lisandra, Burosemjanaja Sarigol, Niro1 and Niro2 were considered as sensitive genotypes. In addition, biplot analysis and cluster analysis confirmed these results. In cluster analysis, genotypes were divided into three groups. The results of this study indicate that the stress tolerance index (STI), the mean productivity (MP) and the geometric mean productivity (GMP), yield index (YI) and average harmonic index (HM) can be effective in selection of tolerant genotypes and the stress tolerance index (STI) is more effective than the other indexes.