Gas Exchange, Membrane Permeability, and Ion Uptake in Two Species of Indian Jujube Differing in Salt Tolerance

Abstract

Effect of NaCl (electrical conductivity of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 dS m-1) on growth, gas exchange, and ion uptake in two Ziziphus species (Z. rotundifolia and Z. nummularia) differing in salt tolerance was studied. At 30 and 45 d after first leaf initiation, the dry mass of shoot and leaves, and rates of net photosynthesis (PN) and transpiration (E) decreased significantly with increasing NaCl concentration whereas membrane injury and accumulation of proline increased. The sodium content was highest in the roots of Z. rotundifolia and in the leaves of Z. nummularia. Potassium content did not differ much in the roots but it was significantly higher in the leaves of Z. rotundifolia at 30 and 45 d of observations. Thus both these species were tolerant to salinity but at high salinity Z. rotundifolia performed better owing to its higher PN and E, restricted translocation of sodium from root to leaves, and larger accumulation of potassium in the leaves.