Growth and Anatomical Adaptations in Response to Salinity Stress in Cucurbita moschata Duchesne ‘Butternut’ (Cucurbitaceae)

Pumpkin or squash is an economically important crop that moderately sensitive to salinity but how its growth affected by soil poorly understood. Salinity stress on physiological and anatomical traits of Cucurbita moschata ‘Butternut’ was investigated under hydroponic culture using Hoagland’s solution with various NaCl concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 150 mM) for four weeks. The results showed pumpkin characters decreased after cultured in concentrations. Leaf number, leaf width, length, root stem height, diameter, green intensity terms SPAD units, chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv’/Fm’, Fv/Fm), total chlorophyll, a b contents significantly (p < 0.05) impacted fiber layer thickness, vascular bundle size vessel diameter treated plants did not affect cuticle thickness. Physiological correlated gradients, except fluorescence, both light dark condition. Results provide significant data improve the understanding adaptation mechanisms tolerant cultivars