Fiften sunflower genotypes wer studied for ion accumulation in leaves. A high degree of genetic variability was found among sunflower genotypes for accumulation of ions. Chloride ions accumulation increased at moderate and high salinity. Sodium ions accumulation decreased at moderate salinity but increased at higher level of salinity while potassium ions accumulation first increased at moderate.salinity then decreased at higher salinity level. A similar behaviourwas observed for K+/Na+ ratio in young leaves at moderate and high salinity levels. Sunflower genotypes showed tolerance to salinity by maintaining Na+ at lower and K+/Na+ ratio at higher level in young growing leaves and it was found to be a good criterion of salt tolerance in sunflower.