INTERACTIVE EFFECTS OF SALINITY AND PHOSPHORUS NUTRITION ON PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF TWO BARLEY SPECIES

Abstract

Salinity is one of the most important agricultural problems in Iran. The effect of different levels of salinity and phosphorus on shoot length, root and shoot fresh and dry weight, nutrient elements (sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), phosphorus (P) and chloride (Cl−), proline and soluble sugar contents of barley were investigated. Two cultivars of barley, Hordeum murinum (wild resistant germplasm) and Hordeum vulgar, variety Afzal were treated in vegetative stage under hydroponics condition in a factorial arrangement based on completely randomized block (CRB) design with four levels of salinity [0, 100, 200 and 300 mM sodium chloride (NaCl)] and three levels of phosphorus (15, 30 and 55 μm L−1) with three replications. By increasing salinity, all the measured parameters, except sodium (Na+) content were reduced. Furthermore, with increased in phosphorus levels from 15 to 55 μm, Na+ content of the plant shoots decreased, but length, fresh and dry weights of roots and shoots and K+, P, Cl−, proline, and soluble sugars content of the shoots increased. The results indicated that accumulation of mineral ions for osmotic adjustment and restriction of Na+ accumulation in shoots were involved in phosphorus enhancement of the salt tolerance of barley. Thus, it seems that in saline soils, where there is no possibility for soil leaching and amending, application of phosphorus fertilizers can lead to a satisfactory growth and production in barely yield.