Effects of salinity on leaf mineral composition and salt injury symptoms of some Iranian wild grapevine (<em>Vitis vinifera</em> L. ssp. sylvestris) genotypes

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the suitability of wild grapevine genotypes to saline conditions by measuring leaf ion content and salt injury symptoms. Methods and results: Vines of nine wild (Vitis vinifera L. ssp. sylvestris) genotypes were planted in pots and after the good establishment, salinity treatments (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM NaCl) started. At the end of the experimental period, the K+, Na+, NO3- and Cl- content of leaves and visible symptoms of salt injury were recorded. Leaf Na+ and Cl- content increased with increasing salinity but levels and accumulation rates were different among genotypes. Conclusion: Based on Na+ and Cl- content and salt symptoms, genotypes 4 and 7 showed less symptoms than the other genotypes at moderate (50-100 mM) NaCl concentration and none could tolerate high salt (150 mM) concentration. Significance and impact of the study: Under saline conditions, ion accumulation in the leaves significantly varied among wild genotypes and some of them could be recommended as saline tolerant genotypes.

Keywords

• salinity
• tolerance
• ion content