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Salinity is a major abiotic stress limiting crop yields in many parts of the world. The FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) Land and Plant Nutrition Management service estimates that over 400 million hectares (6 %) of the Earth’s land is affected by salt. Breeding for salt tolerance is a major goal for cereal researchers for which screens are required to select out tolerant lines. Screening for salt tolerance in the field is difficult as soil salinity is dynamic, the level of salt varies both horizontally and vertically in the soil profile and changes with time. These environmental perturbations can be overcome by testing in hydroponic system where the testing environment is controlled.

Salinity affects soil, water and crop plants. The severity of soil salinity needs to be determined in order to make informed decisions on best cropping practices. Likewise, the tolerance of crop cultivars needs to be matched to the growing conditions. Protocols are therefore required to monitor field salinity and to evaluate crop tolerance to salt.

A simple protocol is described that tests soil salinity. Water-soluble salts are extracted from soil samples and salt content measured. Accurate field evaluations require sampling at various field locations and various depths and over time take into account the crop species to be grown. Instruments and reagents are listed in preparing soil–water extracts and for measuring salt content. Two methods are provided in measuring salt content, by weight and by electrical conductivity.

A simple protocol is presented that tests salt tolerance in rice seedlings. The method is based on a glasshouse hydroponics test in which salt is added to the nutrient hydroponic solution in which the seedlings are grown. A list of equipment is provided including hydroponic hardware and stock solutions. Advice is given on seed storage prior to use and pregermination treatments that promote even germination of test samples. Salt treatments commence after seedling establishment in hydroponics, at the 2–3 leaf stage. Information on responses of standard genotypes (tolerant, intermediate and sensitive) is given to which test seedlings are compared. Visual symptoms of salinity stress include reduced leaf area, whitish appearance of lower leaves, leaf tip death, leaf rolling and seedling death. Scoring is carried out according to the standard evaluation system developed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Recommended test salt concentrations are given along with a method to recover selected seedlings and examples of use.

A simple protocol is presented that tests salt tolerance in wheat and barley seedlings. The method is based on a glasshouse, aerated hydroponics test in which salt is added to the nutrient hydroponic solution in which the seedlings are grown. A list of equipment is provided including hydroponic hardware and stock solutions. Advice is given on seed storage prior to use and pregermination treatments that promote even germination of test samples. Salt treatments commence after seedling establishment in hydroponics at the 2–3-leaf stage. Visual symptoms of salinity stress include reduced leaf area, whitish appearance of lower leaves, leaf tip death, leaf rolling and seedling death. Recommended test salt concentrations for testing wheat and barley are given along with a method of recovering selected plants. Examples of protocol used are also given.