@article{article_1893321, title={Salinity-Induced Changes in Germination and Early Seedling Growth of Triticale (xTriticosecale Wittmack) Genotypes}, journal={Wheat Studies}, volume={15}, pages={1–8}, year={2026}, url={https://izlik.org/JA26FU78GJ}, author={Kızılgeçi, Ferhat and Taşkın Güneş, Zehra}, keywords={Çimlenme, Erken Fide Gelişimi, NaCl Stresi, Tritikale, Tuzluluğa Dayanıklılık}, abstract={Soil salinity is a major constraint limiting cereal production worldwide, particularly during early developmental stages. This study evaluated the effects of increasing NaCl concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mM) on germination and early seedling growth of five triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack) genotypes under controlled conditions. Significant reductions were observed in germination percentage, coleoptile length, root length, seedling length, and fresh and dry biomass as salinity levels increased. Severe inhibition occurred at 150 and 200 mM NaCl, indicating pronounced osmotic and ionic stress effects. Genotypic variation was evident, particularly under moderate and high salinity, with DZ9-09 and Vardem maintaining relatively greater root development and biomass accumulation, whereas genotype 44 exhibited higher sensitivity. Root length and seedling dry weight emerged as reliable and discriminative traits for early-stage salinity screening. The results demonstrate substantial genetic variability in salt tolerance among triticale genotypes and highlight the value of early morphological traits as practical selection criteria. These findings provide a framework for improving salinity tolerance in triticale breeding programs targeting salt-affected agroecosystems.}, number={1}, organization={This research was financially supported by Mardin Artuklu University Research Project Council}