Department of Botany, Shivaji University, Kolhapur-416004
The influence of NaCl salinity on growth and mineral nutrition of moth bean (Phaseous aconitifolius Jacq.), one of the most neglected but promising legumes, has been investigated. The studies on growth parameters such as biomass production, relative growth rate (RGR) net assimilation rate (NAR) leaf area ratio (LAR) and reproductive growth revealed that the plant performs well upto 50 mM NaCl salinity level indicating its salt tolerant nature. Eventhough Na and Cl accumulated in both the plant parts, root and shoot, under saline conditions, the shoot was relatively kept away from toxic accumulation of Na. K content did not fall below the optimum under saline conditions, except at 100 mM NaCl during later stages of development. It appeared that Ca suppressed Na uptake and probably contributed to the ionic balance under stress conditions. Uptake and distribution of P and Mg under NaCl salinity, were favourable for plant growth upto 50 mM NaCl. Fe and Mn were accumulated to the toxic level at 100 mM NaCl.
