IMPACT OF VARIOUS CONCENTRATIONS OF NACL ON MORPHOLOGICAL ATTRIBUTES OF DIFFERENT CITRUS ROOTSTOCKS UNDER FIELD CONDITIONS

Abstract

Citrus (Poncirus trifoliata), a widely cultivated fruit crop, is known for its salt sensitivity. Salinity poses a significant challenge to citrus production across various regions worldwide, where it acts as a limiting factor. When citrus trees are irrigated with saline water, their yields are significantly reduced. The accumulation of excessive chloride ions (Cl-) and sodium ions (Na+) can lead to specific ion toxicities, further exacerbating salinity's negative impact on citrus plants. However, this issue can be minimized by selecting proper rootstocks. Six treatments were administered to the plants in a study to assess the effects of different stress levels on citrus plants. These treatments involved varying concentrations of salt stress: 0mM, 10mM, 20mM, 30mM, 60mM, and 80mM. By subjecting the plants to these different stress levels, researchers aimed to understand the response of citrus plants to increasing salinity. Water salinity presents a significant issue for citrus cultivation due to its detrimental influence on crop yields. The high salt content in irrigation water negatively affects the growth of citrus trees and induces physiological disorders. In addition to impeding growth, salinity harms plant height and root development. These combined effects of salinity contribute to the overall decline in citrus productivity. Among the various citrus rootstocks tested in the study, C-35 exhibited the most significant susceptibility to salinity stress. As the salt concentrations increased, C-35 experienced the most severe adverse effects on growth and productivity. On the other hand, Poncirus trifoliata, a commonly used rootstock, demonstrated a higher degree of tolerance to salinity. Poncirus trifoliata remained relatively unaffected even at higher salt concentrations, making it a more suitable choice for citrus cultivation in saline environments.