Screening through Germination Trials-Australian Species for Saline Areas

Reboisment of saline, alkali soils with useful tree species is engaging attention or investigators. Salinity tolerance testing of indigenous and exotic tree species is considered as a tool for the quick selection of suitable species. Australia, which has Pre-deminantly semi-arid-arid climate and has extensive saline-alkaline soils, is a potential source of suitable tree species. A list of promising Australian species for Northern India is provided. Quick appraisal through salinity tolerance at germinstion stage of Casuarina cristata, C. cunninghamiana, C. obesa and Melaleuca glomerata is described Acacia nilotied ssp indica, the indigenous species Which is highly recommended for salin areas, is evaluated for comparison. The trials indicate that Casuarina obesa and Casuarina cristata, are the most promising tree species Casuarina cunninghamiana and Melaleuca glomerata have limited scope. Further studies are recommended.