The effect of salinity stress on eleven (Co-1, CoSoy-2, DS-40, GujratSoy-1, JS-80-21, MACS-13, MAUS-2, NRC-2, PalamSoy, Pusa-16 and Shilageet) Indian soybean varieties were analyzed under increasing salinity levels (0, 120, 180, 240 and 300 mM) of NaCl. Salinity had adverse effects on germination and all the physiological parameters (root length, shoot length, root/shoot ratio, dry matter production in root and shoot, moisture content in root and shoot) for early seedling growth. The results revealed that varietal difference was present for all the parameters. The varietal difference was pronounced at high (240 and 300 mM) salt concentrations of NaCl. Co-1, GujratSoy-1 and NRC-2 varieties were salt sensitive and CoSoy-2, DS-40, PalamSoy, Pusa-16 varieties were salt tolerant, and rest varieties were moderate in their response towards salt.
