Characterization and gas exchange in accessions of Saccharum complex under salinity in the Sub-middle São Francisco, Brazil

ABSTRACT Salinity is one of the factors that most limit agricultural yield in Brazilian semi-arid region. In this context, present study aimed to evaluate leaf gas exchange and biometric characteristics accessions Saccharum complex subjected salt stress. The experiment was carried out a greenhouse, installed at Embrapa Semiárido, Petrolina, PE, Brazil. experimental design randomized blocks, with treatments represented by 19 belonging different genera/species, being 10 officinarum (BGCN 6, BGCN 91, 104, 127, BCGN 90, 101, 102, 118, 125 122), two spp. 87 89), accession hybridum 88), robustum 94), four Erianthus arundinaceus 117, 119, 120 123) Miscanthus spp., three repetitions. Biometric characteristics, chlorophyll index were evaluated when they irrigation salinized water (6.0 dS m-1). E. showed highest photosynthetic rate, transpiration plant height length, indicating greater adaptability stress could be promising breeding programs.