Abstract
Effect of salinity on three Leucaena ieucocephala varieties was studied in bydroponic culture. Differences in seed germination, plant growth and ionic composition were considered to determine relative salt tolerance of these varieties. All the varieties gave 100% germination in control and at 5 dS m-l EC. Per cent germination of K-67, K-743 and K-28 decreased with increase in salinity beyond 5 dS mol. However, the variety K-28 gave maximum germination at all the salinity levels. Its germination was 73% compared to 40% and 7% by K-67 and K-743, respectively at 20 dS mol. This variety also produced maximum dry shoot and root weights and hence showed least reduction in growth in response to salinity. It was also observed that salinity affected shoot more than root. The K:Na ratios in leaves, shoot and root also revealed the salt tolerance of K-28 which maintained high K:Na ratio in leaves and low in stem, indicating less of absorbed Na + being translocated to leaves. Overall, results revealed that K-28 was relatively more salt tolerant than K-67 and K-743.
