Abstract
This study was conducted at the nursery of Department of Horticulture, College of Agricultural Studies, Sudan University of Science and Technology. Sodium chloride (NaCl) tolerance of 2-months moringa transplants ( Moringa oleifera .Lam.) was investigated in plastic pots containing 0.0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8% NaCl (w/w of .soil) resembling 1.8, 4, 8 and 16 dSm -1 electrical conductivity (Ec) of the soil solution ), in a completely randomized design with four replications. The vegetative growth was evaluated as transplant height, number of leaves and root length. The concentrations of Na + , K +, Ca 2+ and Cl - in the transplant parts (stem, leaves and roots) were also recorded Both shoot and root growth parameters were only slightly affected by the different NaCl concentrations. However, the stem height and number of leaves were significantly reduced (30% and 40%,respectively) by the highest NaCl concentration (0.8% NaCl). Mineral ions uptake reflected that Na + and Cl - concentrations in the different plant parts (roots, stem and leaves) were almost doubled at the highest NaCl concentration, whereas both K + and Ca 2+ were reduced by 24- 64% compared to control. At the highest NaCl concentration there was a tendency of higher concentration of Na + and Cl - and lower concentrations of K + and Ca 2+ in the leaves. It could be concluded that 2-month moringa transplants might be NaCl tolerant up to 8dSm -1 Ec. Further studies are required to assess the mechanism of salinity tolerance of moringa. 2-month moringa transplants rather than direct seeding could be recommended for utilization of salt affected areas.
Highlights
Among the 13 known species of the family Moringaceae, Moringa oleifera is an propagated shrub
Great reductions (50%) in growth of seedlings of a number of forest tree species due to salinity were recorded by Sharma et al (1992) and Shalan (1997), where a severe mortality of species tested was caused at a salinity level above 6.5 dS/m
All transplant growth parameters were negatively affected with increased NaCl concentration
Summary
Among the 13 known species of the family Moringaceae, Moringa oleifera is an propagated shrub. Its numerous economic uses (food, fodder medicines ...etc) together with its easy propagation have raised an international interest for it It tolerates a wide range of soil condition but prefers a neutral to slightly acidic (PH 6.3 - 7) well drained sandy or loamy soils. High concentrations of both were reported at higher salinities This was considered by Misra et al (1996) and Alarcon et al (1999) as a mechanism of salt tolerance where the roots avoid the toxic effects of ions by transporting them toward s the upper parts and maintain their growth.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
