Determination of salt tolerance of 'Camarosa' and 'Chandler' strawberries grown in perlite and perlite: Zeolite media

Abstract

The effects of salt (NaCl) applications of various concentrations (0, 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/L) for 6 months on 'Camarosa' and 'Chandler' strawberry varieties grown in perlite and perlite: zeolite (1:1) media were investigated. In order to determine the salt resistance of varieties, the tolerance index (T.I.) and tolerance ratio (T.R.) were calculated on the basis of total chlorophyll content, and leaf and root dry weight. Also, the ability of keep in balance for potassium: sodium (K:Na) ratio in the aerial part and roots of plants were considered. It was determined that the highest T.I. and T.R. values calculated on the basis of leaf and root dry weight in cv. Camarosa in both media. Concerning the evaluations calculated on the basis of total chlorophyll, the results indicated that 'Chandler' is more resistant in perlite medium, 'Camarosa' is more resistant in perlite: zeolite (1:1) medium. K: Na ratio decreased with increasing salinity in both varieties. However, it was determined that K: Na ratio is higher in cv. Chandler, i. e., 0.83 than in cv. Camarosa (0.61). As a conclusion, it was determined that 'Camarosa' was more resistant to salt than 'Chandler'. In addition, regarding the salt resistant performance of plants, perlite: zeolite (1:1) medium had more effective results than perlite. (C) 2007 by The Haworth Press. All rights reserved.