Influence of foliar application of potassium on wheat (triticum aestivum L) under saline conditions

A potted experiment was conducted in the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Sargodha, to determine the effect of potassium (K) on wheat under saline and non-saline conditions. Foliar spray of K (0, 300, 600 mgL/sup -1/) was applied on wheat under different salinity levels (0, 150 mmol). Salinity levels were created according to the saturation percentage of the soil. Each pot was filled with 7kg well-mixed soil. This experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design with two factors factorial arrangement and with three replications. Different growth and physiological attributes were collected from the conducted experiment. Application of K increased the shoot and root fresh and dry weight. Salinity also affected the chlorophyll contents but the application of K enhanced the chlorophyll contents under saline and non-saline conditions. Foliar application of K also minimised the toxicity of sodium. Similarly, grains yield was also decreased under saline conditions but the foliar application of K reduced the salinity stress and enhanced the grains yield. These results indicated that foliar-applied K ameliorated the effect of salinity on wheat plants. (author)