Impact of salinity stress on growing, seedling development and water consumption of peanut (Arachis hypogaea cv. NC-7)

Özet

Öz This research was carried out in order to determine the effects of different salinity levels (control, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 dS m-1) on the growth, seedling development, and water use of peanut (Arachis hypogaea cv. NC-7). The study was conducted in 36 pots according to randomized block design in 6 replications. Saline water was prepared by adding NaCl, MgCl2 and CaCl2 into tap water. The tap water (ECi= 0.50 dS m-1) was also used as control treatment. Peanut was harvested at flowering stage. Saline water less than 4 dS m-1 had positive effects on plant growth and development parameter while saline water more than 4 dS m-1 negatively affected the same crop parameters. Plant height and fresh weight decreased as much as 21.6% and 21.4%, respectively, after 4 dS m-1; while root length decreased 30% after 8 dS m-1, compared to control treatment. Increasing salinity caused an increase in Na concentration in leaves and roots.