Evaluation of salt tolerance in a native shrub (Nitraria schoberi) for use in urban landscapes

Abstract

The use of native plants in the urban landscape, especially in areas with saline and poor soils, plays a key role in water resource management and also in reduction of municipal costs. In order to assess the effect of salt stress on Nitraria schoberi, a native shrub from Iran, potted plants were irrigated with salt water (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mM NaCl). The results showed that chlorophyll, sugar and relative water contents were not adversely affected by the salinity level. Proline content was also not increased significantly by salinity compared with control plants. The findings suggest that Nitraria schoberi is a tolerant plant to salinity that can be used as an ornamental plant in the landscaping of arid areas.