Germination, growth and mineral distribution in Panicum turgidum Forsk. were investigated using 10-30% amended seawater (ECiw: 4.5-14.0 dS.m-1 ) for irrigation . Fifty percent reduction in germination (in Petri-plates) corresponded with ECiw: 6.72 dS.m-1 and threshold ECiw corresponding with 50% reduction in growth (in drum pot culture) was around 13.46 ± 0.51 dS.m-1 .The plant showed good regeneration after bi-monthly clipping around the year except that growth was extremely reduced during winter season. The cumulative forage biomass harvested per annum with 30 % amended seawater (ECiw: 14.0 dS.m-1 ) was 1279.79 ±16.59 g.drum-1 (FW). It was 2851.85 ± 57.83 g.drum-1 (FW) in control (1.2 dS.m-1 ); reduction being c. 55%. The reduction in forage production in 10 and 20% seawater was c.23 and c.34% of the control, respectively. The plant showed flowering throughout the year. The plant irrigated with saline water showed decrease in chlorophyll and sugar contents and increase in proline level whereas moisture and protein concentration remained quite unaffected. The uptake of cations was selective. Sodium increased in the roots and shoots with almost equal magnitude and potassium declined in concentration with the salinity. There was, however, rapid translocation of potassium from roots to the shoots. The divalent cations like calcium and magnesium accumulated in greater concentration in the shoot.
D. Khan, R. Ahmad. (2007) EFFECTS OF IRRIGATION WITH AMENDED DILUTIONS OF SEAWATER ON GERMINATION, GROWTH AND CATIONS DISTRIBUTION IN PANICUM TURGIDUM FORSK. - A DESERT FODDER GRAMINOID, , Volume 4, Issue 2&3.
