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ABSTRACT
The effects of increasing levels of calcium (Ca2+), potassium (K+), and sodium chloride (NaCl) salinity on the growth and ionic relations of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Monench, cv. ‘ICI-5521’ seedlings are reported. Increasing levels of Ca2+ in the solution culture enhanced growth, lowered sodium (Na+) uptake, and increased K+:Na+ ratio significantly. Elevated K+ level also improved growth significantly, but had no significant effect on Na+, Ca2+, or magnesium (Mg2+) accumulation of either roots or shoots. Accumulation of K+ and consequently K+:Na+ ratio increased with external K+ concentration. The effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) versus potassium chloride (KCl) salinity on the growth and ionic relations of sorghum (‘ICI-5521’) were also examined. Growth inhibition was greatest when KCl alone (160 mM) was used, but was enhanced when a mixture of NaCl and KCl (15:1) was used. The influence of salinity on the accumulation of proline, amino acids and carbohydrates and total osmolality is also discussed.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The help of Professors A. B. Tomsett, The University of Liverpool, and F. M. Azhar, UAF for making some valuable suggestions for improving the manuscript is gratefully acknowledged.
