| Abstract: | Effects of Ca (Ca2+) level on the response of germination and seedling growth of Salvadora persica Linn. (Salvadoraceae) to sodium chloride (NaCl) salinity in soil were investigated. Salinity significantly retarded the seed germination and seedling growth, but the injurious effects of NaCl on seed germination were ameliorated and seedling growth was restored with Ca supply at the critical level to salinized soil. Calcium supply above the critical level further retarded the seed germination and seedling growth because of the increased soil salinity. Salt stress reduced nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and Ca content in plant tissues, but these nutrients were restored by addition of Ca at the critical level to saline soil. The opposite was true for sodium (Na+). The results are discussed in terms of the beneficial effects of Ca for plant growth under saline conditions. |
