Effect of different levels of NaCl and Na2SO4 salinity on dry matter and ionic contents of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.)

Abstract

Salinity is an environmental stress that limits growth and development in plants. The present study was to assess the effect of salinity on dry matter and ionic contents in cowpea accessions. A pot experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of different levels of salinity on growth and ionic contents of cowpea plant. There were three levels of NaCl and Na2SO4 salinity which includes 0 (control), 50, 100 and 150 mM. Growth characters such as root and shoot dry weights decreased with increase in salinity levels. Na+, Cl-, PO4-, SO4- and Na+/K+  concentrations increased with increase in salinity but Ca2+, K+ and Mg2+ concentrations were lower as salinity levels increased. It is concluded that with increase in salinity levels there was a significant reduction in biomass production in cowpea plant. Pattern of accumulation of ions varied significantly.   Key words: Salinity, concentrations, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp., stress.