Saline stress onto growth and physiology of trifoliate citrus hybrids during rootstock formation

Abstract

High salts concentrations in soil and water are common in semi-arid regions, which reduces the growth and development of crops, especially sensitive plants, such as citrus, being important to identify tolerant materials as well as to study the physiology of these plants. An experiment was conducted evaluate the growth and physiology of citrus trifoliate citrus hybris during their early stage of development (seedling stage) under salt stress conditions. These hydrids were obtained through the Citrus Breeding Program of Embrapa Cassava & Fruits consisting of 'Common sunki' mandarin x 'Argentina' citrange - 019, 'Common sunki' mandarin x ('Rangpur' lime x Poncirus trifoliata) - 040, Trifoliate hybrids - 069, 116 and 127, distributed in a randomized block design with three replications. Nucellar seedlings of the genotypes were grown in an hydroponic system using Leonard jars. The application of nutrient solution with saline water started 90 days after sowing, extending to 120 days, when the seedlings were evaluated for plant growth and physiology. The genotypes common 'Sunki' mandarin x 'Argentina' citrange - 019, Common 'Sunki' mandarin x ('Rangpur' lime x P. trifoliata) - 040 and Trifoliate hybrid - 069 showed the greater tolerance to salinity, while the Trifoliate hybrid - 116 and 127 were found to be the less tolerant.