FOLIAR SALT TOLERANCE OF ACER GENOTYPES USING CHLOROPHYLL FLUORESCENCE

Abstract

The effect of increasing salinity on a range of
\nchlorophyll fluorescence parameters in foliar tissue of 30
\nAcer genotypes was examined. The magnitude of the
\nfluorescence responses differed among genotypes ranging
\nfrom minor effects to substantial leaf tissue damage.
\nInterpretation of the fluorescence expressions provided an
\ninsight into mechanisms of salt damage and resilience
\namong genotypes. Based on reductions in a performance
\nindex (PIp) following salinity, genotypes were ranked in
\norder from tolerant to sensitive. Based on this ranking
\ncriterion, marked differences in salt tolerance among
\ngenotypes were distinguished. It is concluded that chlorophyll fluorescence offers a rapid screening technique for
\nassessing the foliar salinity tolerance of urban trees.