The aim of this study is to use morphological and physiological parameters to select both salt tolerant and high yielding rice cultivars convenient for growth in the salinity conditions of the Ergene Basin. Accordingly, the panicle fertility and 1000-grain weight were determined in 40 rice cultivars, and a cation analysis (Na+ , K+ , Ca2+) in the roots was performed. The results of the panicle fertility data classified the following eight cultivars as “highly fertile”: Kral, Kırkpınar, Sürek-95, 7721, Kros-424, Gala, Veneria, and Durağan. On the basis of the 1000- grain weight, the following eight cultivars measured over 20 g: Kıral, Kırkpınar, Kros-424, Osmancık, Durağan, Halilbey, Kargı, and Rodina. In both the panicle fertility and the 1000- grain weight, higher values are seen in the cultivars Durağan, Kros-424, Kırkpınar and Kıral, with Kırkpınar and Kıral demonstrating the highest values. According to the cation analysis in the roots, the Na+ values are generally higher than the K+ values, but lower than the Ca2+ values. In terms of Na+ /K+ , Na+ /Ca2+, and Na-K selectivity, the Na-Ca selectivity ratios of the four highest-yielding cultivars (Durağan, Kros-424, Kırkpınar and Kıral) were similar to each other and at the middle-level according to the other “fertile” or “low fertile” cultivars. The extreme values of these parameters lead to yield loss. Consequently, the Durağan, Kros-424, Kıral and especially Kırkpınar cultivars are the most salt-tolerant and highest yielding rice cultivars for use in the Ergene Basin. 

The aim of this study is to use morphological and physiological parameters to select both salt tolerant and high yielding rice cultivars convenient for growth in the salinity conditions of the Ergene Basin. Accordingly, the panicle fertility and 1000-grain weight were determined in 40 rice cultivars, and a cation analysis (Na+ , K+ , Ca2+) in the roots was performed. The results of the panicle fertility data classified the following eight cultivars as “highly fertile”: Kral, Kırkpınar, Sürek-95, 7721, Kros-424, Gala, Veneria, and Durağan. On the basis of the 1000- grain weight, the following eight cultivars measured over 20 g: Kıral, Kırkpınar, Kros-424, Osmancık, Durağan, Halilbey, Kargı, and Rodina. In both the panicle fertility and the 1000- grain weight, higher values are seen in the cultivars Durağan, Kros-424, Kırkpınar and Kıral, with Kırkpınar and Kıral demonstrating the highest values. According to the cation analysis in the roots, the Na+ values are generally higher than the K+ values, but lower than the Ca2+ values. In terms of Na+ /K+ , Na+ /Ca2+, and Na-K selectivity, the Na-Ca selectivity ratios of the four highest-yielding cultivars (Durağan, Kros-424, Kırkpınar and Kıral) were similar to each other and at the middle-level according to the other “fertile” or “low fertile” cultivars. The extreme values of these parameters lead to yield loss. Consequently, the Durağan, Kros-424, Kıral and especially Kırkpınar cultivars are the most salt-tolerant and highest yielding rice cultivars for use in the Ergene Basin.