Germination, growth and yield response of Kohlrabi, Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes L. to NaCl induced salinity stress

Objective: To determine the effect of different salinity levels on growth, yield, yield attributes, and different parameters of germination and seedling growth of kohlrabi, Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes, a vegetable of the family Brassicaceae. Methods: This study was carried out using completely randomized design in seven replications. Experimental treatment includes five levels of salinity (3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 dSm-1) along with control. Results: Highest germination energy (56.79%), shoot length (4.84 cm), root length (3.46 cm) and dry weight of seedling (75.88 mg) were observed in control which were statistically similar to 3 dSm-1 (50%, 4.81cm, 3.36 cm and 69.29 mg respectively). The highly decreased germination percentage (46.79%), root length (2.17 cm) and dry weight of seedling (52.57 mg) were observed in 15 dSm-1 salinity level compared to their control values which was statistically similar to 12 dSm-1 salinity level. In case of pot study, the highest leaf number plant-1 (15) and leaf width (15.31 cm) were obtained from control condition. Moreover, highest diameter of knob (9.04 cm), dry weight of knob (46.86 g), fresh weight of shoot (128.3 mg) and dry weight of shoot (12.57 mg) were obtained from control condition which were statistically similar to 3 dSm-1 (8.19 cm, 36.01 g, 99.86 mg and 10.29 mg respectively), 6 dSm-1 (7.43 cm, 33.9 g, 104.6 mg and 10.71 mg respectively) and 9 dSm-1 (7.36 cm, 32.81 g, 124.7 mg and 11.14 mg respectively) salinity levels. Conclusion: Considering all the growth, yield and yield attributes observed in this study, kohlrabi was found tolerant to salinity levels up to 9 dSm-1 while in respect of germination and seedling growth, it was found tolerant to salinity levels up to 3 dSm-1 .