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Indian Forester, Vol 133, No 7 (2007), Pagination: 951-962
Abstract
Effects of salinization of soil on emergence, growth and physiological attributes of seedlings of Zizyphus mauritiana Lam. (Rhamnaceae) were studied. A mixture of chlorides and sulphates of Na, K, Ca and Mg was added to the soil and salinity was maintained at 4.1, 5.2, 6.0, 7.1, 8.0 and 9.2 dSm-l. A negative relationship between percent seed germination and salt concentration was obtained. Seedlings did not emerge when soil salinity exceeded 8.0 dSm-1. Results suggested that this tree species is salt tolerant at seed germination stage. Seedlings survived and grew up to soil salinity 8.0 dSm-1 and eventually this species is salt tolerant at seedling stage too. Elongation of stem and ischolar_main was retarded by increasing salt stress. However, this species has a tendency for rapid ischolar_main extension and ischolar_mains are able to extract water from very dry saline soil (7.6 % moisture). Leaves, stems, old ischolar_mains and young ischolar_mains were equally sensitive to salt stress. Reduction in growth of all tissues of seedlings was obtained with increasing soil salinity. Results also suggest that this tree species is a salt excluder. The ability of this plant to thrive in dry regions is further conferred by the xeromorphic features of its leaves.