Tolerance Level of Stylosanthes guianensis Cultivar Cook against Salinity Stress

Stylosanthes guienensis Cook cultivar has the potential to be cultivated in saline areas, especially in the tropics. This study aims to evaluate the tolerance level of Stylosanthes guianesis cultivar Cook to different levels of salinity stress.

The method used was single randomized complete block design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 20 replicates. The experimental design consists of P0 (NaCl 0 ppm), P1 (NaCl 2000 ppm), P2 (NaCl 3000 ppm), P3 (NaCl 4000 ppm) and P4 (NaCl 5000 ppm). Parameters measured include plant viability, vertical height of plants, number of trifoliate leaves, number of leaflets, plant weight and leaf color. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and if the data were significantly different, further tested using Duncan with SPSS software version 25.

The results showed that Stylosanthes guianensis Cook in NaCl treatment had a significant effect (P<0.05) on plant vertical height, number of leaflets, plant length and plant weight and NaCl treatment up to the level of 5000 ppm decreased plant viability and leaf color became darker. The conclusion of the study showed that Stylosanthes guianensis Cook can survive in saline conditions up to 2000 ppm and at moderate stress (3000 ppm) experienced a significant decrease.