Abstract
About 70-75% of the pumped ground water of Pakistan is brackish in nature and Ber cultivation is considered as a good option
for such conditions. Objective of the present study was to evaluate whether brackish water is suitable for Ber production
without affecting its quality. The research was conducted at Experimental Garden, Ghazi University and Horticultural Research
Station, Dera Ghazi Khan. Statistical inferences showed significant variation for all studied traits (growth, physical and
biochemical characteristics) and ber varieties against brackish water treatment. Significant interaction among varieties and
treatments was found for MBL, Ca, K, PRO, SS, VC and TS during 2013 and 2014. On contrary, FLSR, TY, Na and TA were
consecutively found non-significant in both years. While CD, SB and TNF, FLW, SW, FW, CHL, TSS and pH were significant
in 2013 but non-significant in 2014 against brackish water treatment. Normal water improved all the studied traits in both
years. Brackish water least affected Ber production without affecting its quality as compared to Brackish + normal water
treatment. Among the varieties, Delhi White performed better than Suffan , Karela and Mehmud Wali in both experimental
years. Brackish water can be used to grow Ber and Delhi White variety is recommended for cultivation on marginal lands in
Pakistan.
