Effect of Sodium chloride on Growth of Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L. ) Young Transplants

Abstract

to investigate sodium chloride ( NaCl) tolerance of Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) transplants from seeds and stem cuttings . Also to determine which of them would be more suitable for utilization of salt affected soils. Two months old transplants from seeds and six months old transplants from stem cuttings were grown at three different NaCl concentrations (0.2, 0.4, and 0.8% w/w of a clay soil with7.5 pH), in addition to a control without NaCl (0.0%). The soil solution had 1.8 (control), 8, 12 and 16 dSm -1 E.c. Tap water was used for irrigation every other day. The experimental units were in completely randomized design with four replications. The main stem height and number of leaves were recorded at the beginning of the experiments and the transplants growth was evaluated after 30 and 60 days from planting. The results showed that the stem height of seed raised transplants was reduced significantly by increased NaCl concentration. The reduction was 46% at 0.2% NaCl (4dSm -1 ) compared to control, both after 30 and 60 days. However, there was no great reduction with further increase in NaCl concentration. The same was obtained for the number of leaves and fresh and dry weight. The stem cuttings transplants were less affected by increased NaCl concentration. It could be concluded that young Jatropha plants (older than two months) may be considered as NaCl tolerant. Stem cuttings transplants are highly tolerant than seed raised transplants and would be suitable for the utilization of NaCl affected soils.