Salinity and Nitrariaschoberi: Growth Parameters, Chlorophyll Content and Ion Accumulation

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Salinity is one of the most important factors that cause vegetation decline and sometimes
elimination in arid and semi-arid regions. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of salinity on
growth parameters, chlorophyll content and ion accumulation of Nitaria schoberi. Twenty pots were used
in four replications and treatments consisted of a control treatment and four treatments with different
salinity levels in a completely randomized design. Salt was added to the pots at concentrations of 0, 86,
160, 204 and 246 mM NaCl. Data analysis was performed by SPSS software.The first treatment (T1, 86
mM NaCl) achieved the best growth rate and the highest chlorophyll content and also the least amount of
pigment degradation. According to the results, the ion balance of N. schoberi showed specific
mechanisms in the tissues, so that the concentration of sodium and chloride ions increased with
increasing salinity level, and in general, the concentration of potassium, calcium and magnesium ions
decreased with increasing salinity level.Best performance of Nitraria schoberi was obtained in low salinity
(86 mM NaCl).