ISHS Acta Horticulturae 531: II ISHS Conference on Fruit Production in the Tropics and Subtropics
SALINITY PROBLEMS IN (SUB-) TROPICAL FRUIT PRODUCTION |
| Author: | G. Ebert |
| Keywords: | gas exchange, metabolism, NaCl, water status |
| Abstract:
This paper describes salinity effects on growth and metabolism of fruit trees. Excessive salt (NaCl) conservation in the soil solution may impede the water uptake of plants. Inside the plant tissue, Na+ and Cl- lead to ion imbalances and exhibit toxic effects on proteins and cell organelles. The response of salt sensitive fruit trees to salinity is a strong growth inhibition in combination with leaf injuries. Photosynthesis rate of salt-stress trees is often reduced. Salinity-induced depression of growth and yield can be moderated by applying appropriate fertilizer regimes. Ca(NO3)2 was found to reduce the uptake of both Na+ and Cl- due to the fact that Ca2+ and NO3- act as counter ions. Use of salt-excluding rootstocks and progress in breeding salt tolerant cultivars to combat salinity injuries in fruit trees are discussed. | |
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