Analysis of salt tolerance of Medicago L. plants

Salinity becomes a concern when an ‘excessive’ amount or concentration of soluble salts occurs in the soil, either naturally or as a result of mismanaged irrigation water. Alfalfa (Medicago L.) acts as a most important legume forage crop and is widely cultivated in various environments. The objective of this study was to compare the performance of salt stress during germination and growth stage of 2 species (Medicago sativa, Medicago falcata) and 2 varieties (Mongolian Medicago varia Marthz var. Burgaltai and Inner Mongolian Medicago varia Martyn var.Nutag Belcheer-2) in laboratory condition. Salt stress in plants was induced by NaCl (0-as a control, 50, 100 and 200 mM concentration) for 2 weeks. The results represented that Medicago sativa had higher seed germination percentage than other species and varieties. Root length and weight, dry matter index are observed in M.sativa higher than others. M.falcata showed the maximum result of shoot weight and length. M. varia Martyn var.Nutag Belcheer-2 illustrated higher chlorophyll content and water uptake than M.varia Marthz var.Burgaltai. In conclusion, M.sativa and falcata are tolerant to salt stress. M.varia Martyn var.Nutag Belcheer-2 is moderately tolerant to salt stress. M.varia Marthz is sensitive to salt stress than other Medicago L. plants.