Effect of salinity stress on morphological characters of Bajra napier hybrid grass [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]x [Pennisetum purpureum (K.) Schm] varieties

Abstract

Salinity is a significant constraint in expressing thecrop’s full potential. Bajra Napier Hybrid grass is a highyielding,
good-quality fodder grass with palatability grown across different climatic zones of India. A field experiment was
conducted at the Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Dharwad, during 2020-21 to evaluate the effect of salinity
stress tolerance in seven established BN Hybrid genotypes,viz.,DHN 6, DHN 15, COBN 5, CO 6, BNH 10, IGFRI 7and
PHULE YASHWANT at 0 and 12 ECe. The morphological characters like plant height, the number of tillers, the number
of green leaves per tiller, regeneration index, and total fresh weight were recorded in these seven genotypes under salinity
and control conditions. The maximum height was observed in Phule Yashwant, whereas the minimum height was recorded
in genotype DHN 6. BNH 10 recorded the highest regeneration index. The highest total fresh biomass was recorded in the
Phule Yashwant genotype, irrespective of salinity levels. This study revealedthat Phule Yashwant displayed the highest
fresh biomass among all the genotypes, and the biomass of BNH 10 was on par.Whereas CO 6 and DHN 6 were the poor
performers. Higher tiller number, regeneration index, and low leaf-to-stem ratio were the strategies adopted by the tolerant
varieties under higher salt levels.