Zhou, G. and MA, B.L. (2012) Calcium addition affects germination and early seedling growth of sweet sorghum under saline conditions. Agricultural Science & Technology - Hunan , 13 (12). pp. 2538-2543.
|
PDF
- Published Version
| Preview |
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to determine the interactive effects of supplemental Ca amendment and salinity on germination of sweet sorghum seeds in saline solution culture medium, and investigate the effects of different combinations of Na/Ca ratio in saline soils on the early growth of sweet sorghum plants. Method: A germination test and a greenhouse pot experiment were conducted to assess the interactive effects of calcium addition to culture medium on the germination and seedling growth of sweet sorghum (Sorghum saccharatum Moench) in saline soils with a range of Na/Ca ratios. In the germination test, seeds were treated with different combinations of five calcium levels [0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mmol/L Ca(NO3)2] and five salinity levels (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mmol/L NaCl). In the greenhouse experiment, seeds were sown in potting soils containing 3 salinity levels (2.3, 4.7 and 7.0 dS/m) and three Na:Ca ratios (10:0, 10:1, and 5:1). Result: In the germination test, Ca addition at 5 mmol/L promoted germination by 5.5%, 9.9%, and 17.0% at the 3.4, 6.7 and 10.1 dS/m salinity levels. The higher Ca level (10 mmol/L) also increased germination by 9.1% and 7.8% at the 3.4 and 6.7 dS/m salinity levels. Then even higher Ca addition at 15 and 20 mmol/L appeared to promote germination when culture media had high salinity (10.1 and 13.4 dS/m). In the greenhouse pot experiment, saline soil amended with supplemental Ca at the 2.3 and 4.7 dS/m salinity levels significantly promoted early seedling growth, with an increase of 6.8% to 28.2% in plant height and 14.3% to 67.9% in whole plant weight. From 28 to 42 d after seeding, the relative growth of seedling was increased by Ca addition, with a reduction of 49.5% to 66.0% in plant height and 4.8% to 61.9% in whole plant weight. From 42 to 56 d after seeding, however, the relative growth of seedling was significantly inhibited by Ca amendment. Conclusion: Results of this study indicate that appropriate supplemental Ca could improve sorghum germination and early seedling growth in saline soils.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Author Affiliation: | Key Lab of Crop Genetics & Physiology of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China. |
| Subjects: | Atmosperic Science > Climatology Crop Improvement |
| Divisions: | Sorghum |
| Depositing User: | Mr. SanatKumar Behera |
| Date Deposited: | 10 Mar 2013 08:29 |
| Last Modified: | 10 Mar 2013 08:29 |
| URI: | http://eprints.icrisat.ac.in/id/eprint/9831 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |
