Sodicity Tolerance of Grapes with Reference To the Uptake of Nutrients

Relative performance and uptake of nutrients in Perlett, Beauty seedless, Delite and Thompson seedless at 4 levels of exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) i.e. 13, 22, 39 and 67 have been evaluated in a pot culture experiment in a sandy loam soil (Naturstalf). K, Ca and Mg contents decreased whereas P, Zn, Fe and Cu increased with sodicity. Sodic conditions of the soil plant continium affected the translocation of Mn, K and Na among root, shoot and leaves, differentially. In terms of root weight Thompson seedless was comparatively more tolerant because it could maintain high K/Na ratio in leaves, canes and especially roots. However from aerial growth, Delight could tolerate higher sodicity. Cultivar differences in the uptake of Na, K, P (except leaves), Ca (except leaves), Mg, Zn, Cu (roots only), Fe and Mn (except canes), were significant. Sodicity × cultivar inter actions were also significant for P, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn contents in various parts of the grape vine. It therefore appears that appropriate root stocks and scionic combinations can be used for soaling up sodicity tolerance.