Malaysian Journal of Sustainable Agriculture (MJSA)

Salinity and sodicity is today one of the most shocking threat in the irrigated agriculture. Mostly this is an abiotic strain that influences germination and plant growth. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Wild.) has garnered much attention in recent years because it is an excellent source of plant-based protein and is highly tolerance of soil salinity and sodicity. Protein content in most quinoa accessions has been reported to range from 12 to 17%, depending on variety, environment, and input sit is traditionally called the mother of grains having the potential to habitat under high saline sodic conditions environment. The aim of the present protocol was to investigate the germination and growth of quinoa plant under different naturally salt affected soils. Quiona weeds were sown in different salt affected soils comparing with a normal soil. A pot experiment was planned using randomized complete block design with three replicates. Non- significant results regarding germination among different naturally salt affected and normal soils was determined However germination percentage was reduced to 66.8 % by soil5 having (SAR= 37.2). In other words Quinoa seeds were germinated up to (SAR= 37.2). Results of Quinoa plant height, fresh weight, and dry weight after two weeks were significantly affected by different naturally salt affected and normal soils. This study revealed the quiona growth was inversely proportional to the sodium absorption ratio. Reduction in growth parameters was associated with increasing trend of SAR due to the presence of excessive salts in plant tissues.