Salt tolerance of mango rootstocks (Mangifera indica L. cv. Osteen).
Duran Zuazo V. H., Martínez-Raya A., Aguilar Ruiz J.
Author Affiliation: Centro de Investigación y Formación Agraria de Granada, Apdo. 2027, 18080 Granada, Spain.
Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research 1 : 67-78
Abstract : The aim of this study, conducted during 1998-99 in Almun´ecar (Granada, Spain), was to establish the criteria to determine the relative tolerance of mango rootstocks (M. indica) to high Cl- and Na+ concentrations present in irrigation water. Two rootstocks, Gomera-1 and Gomera-3 grafted with the cultivar Osteen, were used. Grafted plants were exposed to salinized irrigation waters measured by electrical conductivity (1.02, 1.50, 2.00 and 2.50 dS m-1). The results indicated differences in retaining toxic elements in different organs (roots, stem, or leaves) of both rootstocks. Gomera-3 was more sensitive, taking up higher amounts of Cl- and Na+ than Gomera-1. Gomera-1 was more tolerant, being the tolerance possibly associated with the capacity of this rootstock to restrict the uptake and transport of Cl- and Na+ ions from the root system to the aboveground parts. The Cl- ions were more toxic in the leaves, while the Na+ ions were more toxic in the roots. Therefore, the present study revealed that Gomera-1 proved to be the most adaptable rootstock to saline conditions, making it feasible for use in areas with low water quality.