We investigated the effects of supplementary KNO 3 and NaCl on one-year-old, potted Valencia orange (Citrus sinensis) scions grafted on Iranian mandarin Bakraii [Citrus reticulata × Citrus limetta] (Valencia/Bakraii) and Carrizo citrange [C. sinensis × Poncirus trifoliata] (Valencia/Carrizo) rootstocks. After watering plants for 60 days with 50 mM NaCl, the lowest reduction in dry mass, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll (Chl) content was found in Valencia/Bakraii. Bakraii accumulated more Cland Na + in roots and transferred less to Valencia leaves compared with Carrizo rootstock. Moreover, higher net photosynthetic rate was found in Valencia/Bakraii than those on Carrizo rootstock. NaCl caused a decrease in the maximal efficiency of PSII photochemistry (F v /F m ) and effective quantum yield (Φ PSII ) but elevated coefficient of nonphotochemical quenching. Salinity reduced Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , and total N contents, and increased Na + /K + ratio in leaves and roots of both grafting combinations. Salinity increased K + and proline content in leaves and decreased K + concentrations in roots of both grafting combinations. In salinized plants, nitrate supplementation (10 mM KNO 3 ) reduced leaf abscission, Cl -, Na + , Na + /K + , and Ca 2+ concentrations in leaves and roots of both combinations. K + and N concentrations and proline increased in leaves of the nitrate-supplemented salinized plants. Supplementary nitrate increased leaf number and area, stem elongation, Chl content, F v /F m , and Φ PSII and stimulated photosynthetic activity. Thus, nitrate ameliorated the deleterious effects of NaCl stress and stimulated the plant metabolism and growth. It can be used as a vital treatment under such condition.
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