Abstract
Seeds of Dalbergia sissoo collected from dry and wet regions were sown in polythene lined earthern pots containing 5 kg non-calcareous, non-gypsiferous soil of various salinity levels, i.e., 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 dSm-1 (Cl:SO4=8:2) in the screen house of Department of Forestry, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, to assess the extent of salt tolerance in Dalbergia sissoo at establishment stage. The study was carried out up to 90 days after sowing. The germination percentage of both the seed sources of D. sissoo was reduced significantly with the increase in salinity level. The germination also got delayed with the increase in salinity level. This effect was slightly more in wet zone seed source as compared to dry zone seed source. Growth parameters like shoot length, root length, fresh and dry shoot and root weight of D. sissoo seedling of both the seed sources were decreased significantly with the increase in salinity levels in all the three observations recorded after 30, 60 and 90 days of sowing. Growth of D. sissoo was normal at ECe of 2 dSm-1, up to ECe 4 it was tolerable but beyond ECe 4 it reduced significantly. The salt tolerance level of both the seed sources of D. sissoo was increased with the advancement of age.
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