Growth and uptake of mineral elements in response to sodium chloride of three provenances of maritime pine¹

Research supported by “Office National des Forets, Region pays de Loire”, Special project “Resistance au sel”, Coord. J.P. Guyon.

Abstract

Effect of sodium chloride (NaCl) on the growth, mineral concentration, and net accumulation of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sodium (Na) was established in one‐year‐old seedlings (Iberique, Landais, Tamjoute provenances) grown in a regulated greenhouse in nutrient solutions. Increasing concentration of NaCl induces a reduced rate of growth and the Iberique provenance was most affected. Accumulation of Na is significantly more intense in the Tamjoute provenance irrespective of the growth response. Macronutrient concentration are markedly modified, as a result of salinity, by increases in the N and K concentrations and decreases in P, Ca and Mg concentrations in the root. The nutrient concentrations in the tissues did not appear to become deficient or toxic under these saline conditions. Total accumulation of most ions was reduced as a consequence of relative growth and provide a good indication of geographic provenance response. The results presented here highlight the importance of Na/K ratio of maritime pine under saline conditions with respect to growth response. The Na/K criterion appears to be a relevant tool for the salinity tolerance estimation of maritime pine.

Notes

Research supported by “Office National des Forets, Region pays de Loire”, Special project “Resistance au sel”, Coord. J.P. Guyon.