Response of Ziziphus Spina-Christi (L.) Willd Seedlings to NaC-Induced Salinity

Ziziphus spina-christi is a fruit tree species growing wild in arid and semi-arid areas of Asia and Africa where rural populations intensively use its fruits, leaves, bark and wood. However, little is known about the effects of salinity, a widespread problem in these regions, on early growth and chemical composition of this species. Six weeks old seedlings of Z. spina-christi germinated in a full strength Hoagland solution were subjected to 3.2, 6.4, 9.6 and 12.3 dSm⁻¹ NaCl compared to the unstressed control plants. The results showed that salinity levels of 9.6 and 12.3 dSm⁻¹ reduced plant height, leaf number, total leaf length and breadth and dry matter by > 50%. Salinity levels of 3.2, 6.4, 9.6 and 12.3dSm⁻¹ NaCl enhanced leaf water contents by 53, 71,94 and 124 fold higher Na and 16, 25, 27 and 29 fold higher Cl respectively, compared to control plants.