assessing physiological characteristics and dry matter of two mung bean genotypes

High salinity is an environmental problem affecting seed germination, seedling growth and seed yield in plants. The experimental design was factorial arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD), with four replications. The first factor was soil electrical conductivity levels (1.1, 2.4, 4.9 and 6.7 dS.m-1) and the second factor was mung bean cultivars (Parto and Pakistani). Soil electrical conductivity increasing, decreased mung bean dry weight, shoot height, photosynthesis rate, chlorophyll a and b content, K+content and K/Na ratio but increased cell membrane damage, antioxidants enzymes activates and  Na+ content. In the both cultivars minimum shoot weight obtained from Parto cultivar and 6.7 dS.m-1 .The highest Na+ concentration was observed in Parto cultivar under 4.9 and 6.7 dS.m-1treatment. Stress condition increased cell membrane damage and maximum lipid peroxidation obtained from Parto cultivar under 6.7 dS.m-1. 2.4, 4.7 and 6.7 dS.m -1 soil electrical conductivity, decreased K/Na ratio to 1.1, 0.6 and 0.13  in Parto cultivar.  At highest soil electrical conductivity level, Pakistani cultivar had maximum shoot dry weight , photosynthetic rate  and K/Na ratio  and these results indicated Pakistani cultivar was salt tolerant cultivar compared to Parto cultivar.