Dry mass production and distribution of nutrients in two mango rootstocks as affected by salinity

The effect of salinization on two polyembryonic mango (Mangifera indica L.) rootstocks, i.e. Kurukkan and Olour was studied by means of growth pattern and mineral nutrients accumulation. Both genotypes could survive 2.15 dSm⁻¹ salinity level with mild necrosis and scorch on leaves. The negative linear relationship found between fresh and dry weight of shoot and root and salt concentration. There was highly significant effect of salinity on the tissue concentration of Na⁺, K⁺, Ca⁺⁺ and Cl⁻. Significant negative correlation was observed between shoot and root dry matter yield and sodium content in leaves in both the cultivars. Potassium concentration increased in stem and leaf of Olour with increasing salinity and it showed a declining trend in Kurukkan. Significant positive correlation was noticed between shoot dry matter yields and calcium content in all plant parts of Olour. Kurukkan tissues having significantly more Ca²⁺ content and less Na⁺ content in leaf tissues as compared to Olour at higher salt concentrations. This cultivar had significantly higher Na⁺ content in roots and higher contents of Cl⁻in root, stem and leaves. In Olour, significantly higher Na⁺ content was found in leaf tissues at 4.23 dSm⁻¹ salinity.