Investigating salt tolerance in citrus rootstocks under greenhouse conditions using growth and biochemical indicators

ABSTRACT

Citrus is ranked among the most sensitive crops to salinity. This constrainst affects plant morpho-physiology and may lead to yield declines. To assess the effects of salinity on some physiological and biochemical traits, an in vivo screening test was performed under controled saline conditions using different citrus rootstocks i.e. citrumelo 57-98-502, Swingle citrumelo F9-22-55 (80-11), citrumelo 57-98-506, Swingle citrumelo 74-1, citrumelo Winter Haven B2, Carrizo citrange 28608, Troyer citrange C35B6A11, Troyer citrange B2 31655, citrumelo 4475 B2G3, citrumelo 4475 B B6A5, citrumelo 4475 A B6A4, citrumelo Sacaton 30057, Gou-Tou SRA 506, Volkamer lemon B2 28613 andTroyer citrange.Plants were grown on a sand substratum and subjected to three salt treatments including 0 (control), 2 and 5 g.l-1 NaCl during 90 days. Physiological responses to salt stress were evaluated at the end of this period. Results showed that all studied parameters were affected by salinity. High salt concentrations caused a considerable reduction of growth parameters such as fresh and dry weights of shoots and roots, especially in citrumelo 57- 98-502, Swingle citrumelo swingle F9-22-55 (80-11), Carrizo citrange 28608 andcitrumelo 4475 BB6A5. In some rootstocks such as citrumelo 4475 B2G3, citrumelo 4475 B B6A5 and citrumelo 4475 A B6A4, these changes were associated witha decrease in leaf chlorophyll content. In addition, we noted a significant accumulation of proline in the leaves of rootstocks as the salinity of the irrigation solution increased, particularly in citrumelo 4475 A B6A4 and citrumelo Sacaton 30057. We concluded that these osmolytes may play a key role in Sentivity or tolerance of citrus rootstocks to salinity

Key words: citrus, rootstock, salt stress

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