Increasing Salinity Tolerance of Eggplant Under Ras Sudr Conditions

Abstract

The field experiment was carried out during the two summer successive seasons of 2008 and 2009 at the Experimental Station of Desert Research Center, at Ras Sudr, South Sinai Government, on White Balady eggplant to compare between the effect of saline irrigation water at levels of 3500 and 4500 ppm, with the effect of some compound applications (Algreen and Mega pour were applied as foliar spray in concentration of 2.5 cm 3 /h. and 0.75 cm 3 /L. respectively) also, they were added as soil addition at rate of 1.5L. and 0.8L./Fed. respectively, after 3, 6 and 9 weeks from transplanting, while the Unisal was applied as soil addition before transplanting at rate of 4 L./Fed., as well as, control treatment compound. The obtained results indicated that level saline irrigation water at 3500 ppm level showed increment in growth characters when compared to 4500 ppm saline irrigation water level. The same trend was observed with yield and its components (total yield, number and weight of fruits/plant, average fruit weight, diameter and length). Also, N, P, K and chlorophyll values showed the same line of previous characters, while, Fe (in fruits), Na and Cl (in leaves) contents were increased with saline irrigation water at 4500 than 3500 ppm level. The application of the tested compounds enhanced plant growth, yield and its components, N, P, K and chlorophyll values in plant leaves than control treatment. On the other hand Na, Cl and Fe content were increased in plant leaves and Fe value in fruits were the highest in control treatment than compound treatments. The best growth characters, heaviest yield and the best characters of yield components, as well as the highest values of N, P, K and chlorophyll content and the lowest values of Fe (in fruits), Na and Cl content (in plant leaves) were recorded with saline irrigation water at level 3500 ppm and Algreen compound followed by Mega pour both applied as foliar spray.