Early Selection of Popcorn Lines for Tolerance to Salt Stress

The evaluation of popcorn lines for salt stress during the germination phase facilitates the early selection of superior genotypes, ensuring crop success. This study assessed 31 lines to identify genotypes tolerant to salt stress in the early phase and to understand the effects. Seeds were sown on paper substrate with two concentrations of sodium chloride: zero (NS) and 100.0 mM (SS), in a randomized block design with four replicates of 25 seeds each. Physical and physiological traits of seeds and seedlings were evaluated. Analysis of variance revealed significant effects (p ≤ 0.01) for genotype, salinity condition, and their interaction. Genetic variability was observed under both conditions. In NS, area and germination were the most influential factors in differentiating lines, while in SS, total seedling length and the percentage of abnormal seedlings were key. The stress tolerance index identified lines L263, L684, L472, and L358 as the most tolerant, and lines L690, L217, L220, and L213 as the most sensitive. Tolerant genotypes are potential candidates for crossbreeding aimed at developing hybrids adapted to salinity conditions, promoting agricultural sustainability in adverse environments. The significant interaction between genotypes and salinity conditions reinforces the importance of conducting selection in specific stress environments.