In order to introduce salt tolerant cultivars to be used in breeding programs, genetic diversity of 20 wheat genotypes against salt tolerance was evaluated. To create natural conditions, this study was carried out in pots under transparent polyethylene tunnel, at the Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Tabriz, while 18 agronomic and morphologic characteristics being evaluated. Analysis of variance indicated that there were significant differences between genotypes at 0.1 percent probability level. K+/Na+ ratio was used as the selection criterion. Correlations between this ratio and 18 characteristics confirmed its effectiveness in distinguishing tolerant genotypes. Cluster and sensitivity analysis showed that several of these genotypes, including Tajan, Roshan, N-75-11, N-75-14, N-75-3, N-75-4, and N-75-17 contained a higher K+/Na+ ratio than the others. In addition, they possess optimal agronomic and morphologic characteristics, thus, being recognized as tolerant genotypes.
)