Effect of sodium chloride (NaCl) on the growth of six Acacia species

Background: Salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses affecting plant production in arid and semi-arid regions. It causes reduction of cultivable area and combined with other factors, presents a serious threat to food stability in these areas. Context: In front of this problem, the selection of salt tolerant species and varieties remains the best economic approach for exploitation and rehabilitation of salt-affected regions. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the seed germination response of six Acacia species under different NaCl concentrations in order to explore opportunities for selection and breeding salt tolerant genotypes. Methods: The salinity effect was examined by measuring some agro-morphological parameters in controlled growth environment using five treatment levels: 0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 mM of NaCl. Results: The analyzed data revealed significant variability in salt response within and between species. All growth parameters were progressively reduced by increased NaCl concentrations. Growth in height, leaf number and total plant dry weight were considered as the most sensitive parameters. However, the growth reduction varied among species in accordance with their tolerance level. It is important to note that all species survived at the highest salinity (400 mM). Whereas A. horrida and A. raddiana were proved to be often the best tolerant, they recorded the lowest reduction percentage at this stage. Conclusion: The genetic variability found in the studied species at seedling stage may be used to select genotypes particularly suitable for rehabilitation and exploitation of lands affected by salinity.