Effects of calcium on eliminating the negative effects of salinity in pistachio ('Pistacia vera' L.) seedlings

Abstract

The effects of four salinity levels (0, 30, 60, and 90 mM NaCl) and three Ca levels (0, 0.5, and 1 mM Ca as Ca(NO 3)2.4H 2O) on chemical composition of pistachio seedlings Cv. Badami were studied in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications under greenhouse conditions. After 170 days, shoot and root Na, Ca, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn concentrations were measured. Results showed Ca applications increased shoot and root Ca concentrations. Salinity stress decreased shoot Ca concentration, while increased shoot and root total sodium uptake. It was found that the effects of salinity on the concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn in pistachio seedlings were complex. The changes in Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn concentrations under saline conditions depended on the levels of salinity and the plant's organs. However, Ca had a significant effect on pistachio seedlings. The Ca application increased roots Fe, shoots Zn and shoots and root Cu concentrations in pistachio seedlings. The results suggest that supplementary Ca can reduce some adverse effects of high salinity on chemical composition of pistachio seedlings.