Evaluation of physiological, biochemical and yield indicators of wheat and maize genotypes exposed to sodium chloride

Aim. Study the effect of sodium chloride on the physiological and biochemical characteristics of wheat and maize genotypes, to identify varieties tolerant to salinity. To create new salt-tolerant varieties of wheat and maize, a comparative analysis of the physiological and biochemical parameters of the parental and hybrid plants was carried out. Methods. Physiological parameters such as chlorophyll content, relative water content, and PSII activity have been studied in parental forms and hybrids. Results. When studying salt-tolerance of hybrids and parental forms, differences were detected in the relative amounts of chlorophyll (a+b), carotenoids, RWC, as well as the photochemical activity of chloroplasts. The effect of salt on the amount of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids, which are the main physiological indicators, is manifested in different ways in both hybrids and parental forms. Conclusions. Based on the physiological indices determined during the grain filling stage, the highest tolerance was manifested by the parental forms, Garabagh, Gobustan, and the hybrids, ♀Garabagh×♂Gobustan, ♀Garabagh×♂Mirbashir, ♀Garabagh×♂Sharg. Under the action of salt in all genotypes of corn found a slight increase in the content of soluble sugars. The highest sugar content was observed in the hybrid Zagatala 68 x Gurur.