Abstract

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) has been grown since centuries for high-quality fiber and as an oilseed crop in different parts of the world. Since few studies are available on performance of the species under salt stress, the present study was undertaken to assess the effects of different salt concentrations on morphological parameters, leaf pigments and antioxidant enzyme activity. Two germplasm lines viz. Neelam and Surabhi were subjected to five different salinity levels [0 mM; 50 mM; 100 mM; 150 mM and 200 mM] of sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium chloride (KCl) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) in a split plot design for two experimental years. Both protein and carotenoid increased slightly at 50 mM, but thereafter decreased constantly with increase in salt concentrations. CaCl2 was most detrimental to seed development since maximum fall in seed yield was observed on CaCl2 application in both the germplasm lines. Sodium chloride treatment at low concentration (50 mM) increased seed yield over control, but yield decreased on higher concentrations. Surabhi seemed to be less affected than Neelam with respect to seed yield. The implications of salinity stress in L. usitatissimum have been discussed.