EFFECTS OF SALINITY AND CALCIUM ON THE GROWTH AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF PISTACHIO SEEDLINGS

Poor quality of irrigation water (high salinity) has reduced the yields of pistachio over recent years, especially in Kerman. The effects of four salinity levels [0, 30, 60, and 90mM sodium chloride (NaCl)] and three calcium (Ca) levels [0, 0.5, and 1mM Ca as calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)(2).4H(2)O)] on growth and chemical composition of pistachio seedlings cv. 'Badami' were studied in sand culture under greenhouse conditions in completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications. After 170days, leaf area, leaf number, shoot and root dry weights were determined. Also shoot and root sodium (Na), potassium (K), Ca, and magnesium (Mg) concentrations were measured. Results showed salinity decreased all growth parameters. Ca application increased shoot and root Ca concentrations and root K concentration, while Ca application decreased shoot K concentration and shoot and root Mg concentrations. Salinity decreased shoot Ca, root K, and root Mg concentrations, while salinity increased shoot and root total sodium uptake, and shoot and root Cl concentrations.