Abstract
Salinity induced changes in physiological relations and the concomitant effects on plant growth were recorded in four bael (Aegle marmelos Correa) cultivars, viz. NB-5, NB-9, CB-1 and CB-2. Plants raised in normal soil (ECe 1.3 dS/m) were irrigated with tap (ECiw 0.5 dS/m) and saline (ECiw 3 and 6 dS/m) waters. Data were recorded for growth, physiological parameters and mineral nutrition 180 days after imposing the salt treatments. NB-5 outperformed other cultivars under saline conditions by maintaining higher leaf chlorophyll and proline levels, retaining Na+ ions in stem and root tissues and by preferentially accumulating K+ and Ca2+ ions to overcome the toxic effects of Na+. Break down of salt tolerance in other cultivars at 6 dS/m salinity can be explained by build up of Na+ to the toxic levels and an accompanying decrease in leaf and stem K+ concentrations. Based on these findings, bael cultivar NB-5 appears to be suitable for commercial cultivation in salt-affected soils.
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