Evaluation of salinity tolerance of three olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivars

• Published in: Journal of Central European Agriculture Vol. 22; no. 3; pp. 571 - 581
• Main Authors: Azimi, Mahmoud, Khoshzaman, Tooradj, Taheri, Mehdi, Dadras, Ahmadreza
• Format: Journal Article Paper
• Language: English
• Published: Sveuciliste U Zagrebu 01.09.2021; Agronomski fakultet Zagreb; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture
• Subjects: Analysis; Aquatic resources; Cultivars; gas exchange; growth parameters; Iran; nutrients; Photosynthesis; Physiological aspects; Soils, Salts in; Water use; ‘Zard’ cultivar; Iran
• ISSN: 1332-9049; 1332-9049
• DOI: 10.5513/JCEA01/22.3.3167

Tarom region of Zanjan province is one of the olive production centers in Iran, which faced a crisis of salinity stress following the salinization of water resources. The selection of salinity tolerant cultivars using pivotal characteristics is one of the interesting challenges. This study was conducted to investigate the behavior of 'Zard', 'Abou-satl', and 'Arbequina' cultivars in the context of using marginal waters. Therefore, one-year-old self-rooted plants of these cultivars were potted and irrigated with 2, 5, 8, and 12 dS/m saline water for three months in the greenhouse, and certain physiological and morphological features were studied. The results show that 'Zard' and 'Abou-Satl' cultivars tolerated salinity of 8 and 12 dS/m, maintained their photosynthesis in medium salinity (5 dS/m), and grew well in these conditions. In contrast, the 'Arbequina' cultivar exhibited extreme susceptibility to salinity. In the high salinities, there was a lower slope in the increase of Na+ concentration in the leaves of the 'Zard' cultivar. Also wet and dry biomass in this cultivar decreased much less than the others. A more severe reduction in the transpiration of the 'Zard' cultivar indicated better efficiency of water retention mechanisms and high water use efficiency. The photosynthesis rate of 'Zard' and 'Abou-Satl' cultivars were less affected under salinity stress. They reduced the accumulation of Na+ and increased the K+ concentration in leaves. These two cultivars had suitable responses to salinity and were recommended for planting in regions affected by salinity.