Responses of Growth and Chemical Composition of Pistachio Seedling to Phosphorus Fertilization Under Saline Conditions

A greenhouse study was conducted to evaluate effects of phosphorus (P) levels (0, 50 and 100 mg kg^?1 soil) under saline (0, 1000 and 2000 mg sodium chloride (NaCl) kg^?1 soil) conditions on growth and chemical composition of pistachio seedlings (Pistacia vera L.) cv. ‘Badami-zarand’ in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications. Results showed that salinity application decreased leaf, stem, and root dry weights, number of leaf, length of stem and leaf area, while this effect diminished with P fertilization. By increasing salinity levels, all of the nutrients concentration in leaf, stem and root except sodium (Na) content were reduced. P application increased P and potassium (K) concentrations in the leaves, stem and root, while decreased Na and Zinc (Zn) leaf, stem and root concentrations. However, the results indicated that proline accumulation and reducing sugar content were increased by salinity, P and their interaction application. The results suggest that fertilization of phosphorus can diminish some adverse effects of high salinity on growth and chemical composition of pistachio seedlings.     

EFFECTS OF SALINITY AND SOIL ZINC APPLICATION ON GROWTH AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF PISTACHIO SEEDLINGS

The effects of four salinity levels [0, 1000, 2000, and 3000 mg sodium chloride (NaCl) kg^?1 soil] and three zinc (Zn) levels [0, 5, and 10 mg kg^?1 soil as zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄.7 H₂O)] on growth and chemical composition of pistachio seedlings (Pistacia vera L.) cv. ‘Badami’ were studied in a calcareous soil under greenhouse conditions in a completely randomized design with three replications. After 26 weeks, the dry weights of leaves, stems and roots were measured and the total leaf area determined. Salinity decreased leaf, stem, and root dry weights and leaf area, while this effect diminished with increasing Zn levels. Zn fertilization increased leaf, stem and root Zn concentrations, leaf potassium (K) concentration, and stem and root sodium (Na) concentrations, while decreased leaf Na concentration, and stem and root K concentrations. Salinity stress decreased leaf, stem, and root Zn concentrations, and leaf K concentration, while salinity increased leaf, stem and root Na concentrations, and stem and root K concentrations. Proline accumulation increased with increasing salinity levels, whereas the reverse trend was observed for reducing sugar contents. Zn application decreased proline concentration but increased reducing sugar contents. These changes might have alleviated the adverse effects of salinity stress.     

Effect of Salinity and Nitrogen Application on Growth,Chemical Composition and Some Biochemical Indices of Pistachio Seedlings (Pistacia Vera L.)

To study the effect of nitrogen and salinity on growth and chemical composition of pistachio seedlings (cv. ‘Badami’), a greenhouse experiment was conducted. Treatments consisted of four salinity levels [0, 800, 1600, and 2400 mg sodium chloride (NaCl) kg^?1 soil], and four nitrogen (N) levels (0, 60, 120, and 180 mg kg^?1 soil as urea). Treatments were arranged in a factorial manner in a completely randomized design with three replications. The highest level of nitrogen and salinity decreased leaf and root dry weights. Nitrogen application significantly increased the concentration of shoot N and salinity suppressed shoot N concentration. Salinity and nitrogen fertilization increased shoot and root sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) concentrations. Nitrogen application increased proline concentration and reducing sugar content. Although salinity levels increased proline concentration a specific trend on reducing sugars content was not observed.     

Effects of Salinity and Copper on Growth and Chemical Composition of Pistachio Seedlings

The effects of five salinity levels and four copper levels on growth and chemical composition of ‘Ghazvini, pistachio seedlings were studied under greenhouse conditions in a completely randomized design with three replications. Leaf area, stem height, shoot and root dry weights were determined on 24th week after planting. Copper (Cu), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), and chlorine (Cl) total uptake in shoot and root of plant were measured. The results showed that salinity decreased growth parameters. Low levels of Cu application had no significant effect on leaf area, shoot and root dry weights while decreased stem height. The highest level of Cu (7.5 mg Cu kg^?1 soil) significantly increased leaf area and shoot dry weight but decreased stem height. Salinity decreased Cu and P uptake in the shoot and root, but increased total sodium and chloride uptake. Cu application increased shoot total P uptake and decreased root total Na uptake.     

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 90 mM sodium chloride (NaCl)] and three calcium (Ca) levels [0, 0.5, and 1 mM Ca as calcium nitrate (Ca(NO₃)₂.4H₂O)] 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 170 days, 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.     

Interactive Effect of Soil Salinity and Copper Application on Growth and Chemical Composition of Pistachio Seedlings (cv. Badami)

The effects of five salinity levels and four Cu levels on growth and chemical composition of Badami pistachio seedlings were studied under greenhouse conditions in a completely randomized design with three replications. Growth parameters were determined on the 24th week after planting. Total elemental uptake amounts in shoot and root of plant were measured. Results showed that salinity decreased leaf area, stem height, and shoot and root dry weights. Application of 2.5 and 5 mg copper (Cu) kg^?1 soil significantly increased root dry weight, whereas it had no significant effects on shoot dry weight and leaf area. Application of 7.5 mg Cu kg^?1 soil had a negative effect on stem height. Salinity declined shoot and root total Cu and phosphorus (P) uptake amounts but increased shoot and root total sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) uptake amounts. Copper increased shoot and root total Cu uptake amounts, root total P uptake, and shoot total Na uptake but decreased shoot total Cl uptake.     

PISTACHIO RESPONSES TO SALT STRESS AT VARIED LEVELS OF MAGNESIUM

Crop production in many parts of the world is increasingly affected by soil salinization, especially in the irrigated fields of arid and semi-arid regions. The effects of four magnesium levels [0, 0.5, 1, and 22 millliMolar (mM) magnesium as magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄.5H₂O)], and three salinity levels [0, 45 and 90 mM sodium chloride (NaCl)] on growth and the chemical composition of pistachio seedlings (Pistacia vera L.) cv. ‘Badami-e-Zarand’ was studied in sand culture under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was set up as a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications. After 28 weeks the growth parameters of biomass, leaf number, leaf area and stem height were measured. The results demonstrated that salinity decreased biomass, leaf area and stem height; the application of 2 mM magnesium (Mg) significantly reduced biomass, leaf number, leaf area and stem height; salinity stress increased concentrations of sodium (Na) and potassium (K) in shoot as well as Na concentration in root; however, it decreased Mg and calcium (Ca) concentrations in shoot, as well as Mg, Ca, and K concentrations in root. The application of 2 mM Mg reduced K and Ca concentrations in shoot and Na and K concentrations in root.     

Effects of salinity stress on growth indices,physiological parameters and element concentration in Banebaghi (Pistacia sp.) as rootstock for pistachio

Banebaghi is considered a natural hybrid in Pistacia genus that can be used as rootstock for pistachio. In order to study the effects of salinity stress on growth indices, physiological parameters and element concentration in Banebaghi, an experiment was arranged as a factorial in completely randomized design (CRD). Factors were salinity of irrigation water (0, 60 and 120 mM of sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, respectively), growth type (mutica growth type and pistachio growth type) and stem height (stem height lower half of the plant and stem height upper half of the plant) with four replications. Our results showed that salinity reduced vegetative parameters, SPAD index, leaf relative water content (RWC) and water use efficiency (WUE). Shoot dry weight of seedlings in both heights, decreased at the salinity level of 120 mM, at about 60% compared with control. At the highest level of salinity (120 mM), seedlings with a height lower half of the plant had lower reduction in the fresh and dry weight of the root and showed more resistance to the salinity stress because of maintaining RWC of leaves and high levels of potassium and calcium in the shoot. Salinity increased sodium (Na) concentration of shoot and root in both growth types: mutica and pistachio. Seedlings with pistachio growth type and a height upper half of the plant and seedlings with mutica growth type and a height lower half of the plant had more resistance to salinity stress.     

Growth Parameter and These Ratio Ionics Responses of Three Cultivars Pistachio to Low and High Salinity

Salinity as a major abiotic stresses is one of the main challenges in world’s agricultural productions. The aim of this work was to study the effect of salinity on growth parameter and these ratio ionics responses of three cultivars pistachio. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design consisting of a 3 × 4 factorial combination of three pistachio cultivars (Akbari, Aghaei, and Kalle-Ghuchi) and four salinity levels (1, 5, 10, and 15 dS/m sodium chloride) with three replications. The results showed that the Aghaei cultivars having a high ratio of potassium (K)/sodium (Na) and maintain this ratio at different levels of salinity and Akbari cultivars is sensitive to salinity because of the less ratio of K/Na.     

Interaction Between Salinity Stress and Verticillium Wilt Disease in Three Pistachio Rootstocks in a Calcareous Soil

ABSTRACT

The interaction between soil salinity and infection caused by Verticillium dahliae was studied in pistachio (Pistacia vera) in a greenhouse experiment. Treatments consisted of 0, 1400, 2800, and 4200 mg sodium chloride (NaCl) kg^{? 1} soil and three rootstocks (Sarakhs, Badami, and Qazvini cultivars). They were gradually exposed to salinity stress before and/or after root inoculation with a water suspension of 10⁷ conidia/mL of a pistachio isolate of V. dahliae. Salt stress significantly increased rootstock shoot and root colonization by V. dahliae. All rootstocks were susceptible to V. dahliae, but symptoms of the disease appeared earlier in Sarakhs, a salt sensitive cultivar. Moreover, salinity and V. dahliae interaction increased the concentrations of sodium (Na), potassium (K) and chloride (Cl), but decreased the K/Na ratio in all rootstocks. Shoot and root tissues of inoculated Sarakhs and Qazvini (a salt tolerant) contained the highest and the lowest concentrations of Na, K,and Cl, respectively. In salinity treatments, shoot and root dry weight of all rootstocks decreased as compared with controls. Sarakhs showed smaller shoot and root dry weight than Qazvini and Badami. Also, increasing the NaCl level increased accumulation of Na, K, and Cl in shoot and root of the rootstocks. Sarakhs showed higher concentrations of ions in the shoot and root. Based on shoot and root dry weights and ion accumulation, Sarakhs and Qazvini were susceptible and tolerant to salinity, respectively.     

Zinc Nutrition of Pistachio: Interaction of Zinc with Other Trace Elements

The antagonistic effect of zinc (Zn) with other micronutrients was studied in a calcareous soil under greenhouse conditions. Three levels of Zn were applied to pistachio seedlings along with other essential plant nutrients. It was observed that Zn application had an adverse effect on iron (Fe) concentration in plants. Zinc-deficient plants had significantly greater concentrations of Fe. The results indicated that as the Zn concentration in the substrate was increased, the Fe concentration in plants decreased. Zinc also antagonized the uptake of manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) in the plants. The roots always showed greater concentrations of these elements than shoots.     

Fractionation and Speciation of Manganese in Rhizosphere Soils of Pseudomonas sp. Rhizobacteria Inoculated Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) Seedlings Under Salinity Stress

Enhancement of manganese (Mn) availability in saline and Mn-deficient soils is very important for plant growth. An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of Pseudomonas sp. rhizobacteria (P₀ (control), P₁, P₂ and P₃) and Mn (0 and 10 mg Mn kg^?1 soil) on the distribution of Mn in the rhizosphere of pistachio seedlings under salinity stress (0, 1000 and 2000 mg NaCl kg^?1 soil). The results showed that salinity decreased the dry weight, Mn uptake and chlorophyll content of the pistachio seedlings. However, inoculation with rhizobacteria increased these parameters in saline conditions. Application of rhizobacteria increased the availability of Mn in the rhizosphere soil. The use of rhizobacteria decreased the residual-Mn form in the rhizosphere. Inoculation with rhizobacteria increased the percent of Mn²⁺ and MnCl⁺ species in the soil solution. However, pistachio seedlings inoculation with rhizobacteria increased the contents of Mn available forms in the rhizosphere soil.     

Interactive Effect of Soil Salinity and Water Stress on Growth and Chemical Compositions of Pistachio Nut Tree

ABSTRACT

The effects of three sodium chloride (NaCl) levels (0, 1200, and 2400 mg kg^{? 1} soil) and three irrigation intervals (3, 7, and 14 d) on the growth and chemical composition of two Pistacia vera rootstocks (‘Sarakhs’ and ‘Qazvini’) were investigated under greenhouse conditions. Eight-week-old pistachio seedlings were gradually exposed to salt stress which afterward, water stress was initiated. At any irrigation interval, plant height and shoot and root dry weights of both rootstocks were reduced with increasing salinity. However, increasing irrigation intervals alleviated the adverse effects of soil salinity. A negative relationship observed between relative shoot growth and electrical conductivity of soil saturation extract (EC_e) confirmed the above findings. Under 3-d irrigation interval, the EC_e required to cause a 50% growth reduction was lower than those under 7- and/or 14-d irrigation intervals. Shoot and root chemical analyses indicated that the salinity as well as irrigation regime affected the concentration and distribution of sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), and chloride (Cl^?) in pistachio. The concentration of Na⁺, K⁺ and C1^? ions increased with a rise in NaCl level, and was generally declined with increasing irrigation interval. Based on plant height, shoot and root dry weights and the concentrations of Na⁺, K⁺, and C1^? in the plant tissues, at lowest irrigation intervals ‘Sarakhs’ shows a higher sensitivity to soil salinity than ‘Qazvini’, but with increasing irrigation interval, ‘Sarakhs’ and ‘Qazvini’ can be classified as resistant and sensitive to salinity, respectively.     

Treatment of Pistachio Trees with Zinc and Copper in Time of Swollen Bud in Two Consecutive Years

This study was done to investigate the effects of foliar sprays of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) on fruit set, yield, yield components, vegetative growth, and leaf nutrient concentrations of pistachio trees (cv. Owhadi), over two consecutive seasons 2010 (ON) and 2011 (OFF). Tests were done at a commercial orchard in the region of Rafsanjan in Iran. Tests were designed as a 3 × 2 factorial experiment in a randomized complete block with four replications. Treatments tested in the study were three concentration levels of zinc sulfate (0, 1000, and 2000 mg L^?1) and two concentration levels of copper sulfate (0 and 200 mg L^?1). Results showed that Zn foliar application increased first fruit set, final fruit set, fresh yield, and dry yield. Nut weight was increased by Zn spray by 3 and 4% at the second and third levels of Zn, respectively, compared with the control. However, Cu application increased splitting and vegetative growth. Vegetative growth in the OFF year was greater than that of the ON year. Phosphorus, sodium, and Cu concentrations in leaf were greater in the ON year than in the OFF year, but concentrations of Zn and potassium in leaf were lower in the ON year than they were in the OFF year. These results show that Zn and Cu applications can affect growth and yield of pistachio, especially when the plant is grown in calcareous soils. However, the alternate bearing pattern had a significant effect on vegetative growth and some leaf nutrient concentrations.     

Soil and Groundwater Relationships with Pistachio Yield in the Rafsanjan Area,Iran

This study was conducted to examine the spatial variability of groundwater quality factors and to determine soil physicochemical properties in order to distinguish their relationships with pistachio yield in the Rafsanjan area, Iran. One hundred fifty-seven water samples from the wells of the studied area were evaluated for electrical conductivity (EC), sodium (Na⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), sulfate (SO₄ ^2–), bicarbonate (HCO₃ ^–), chloride (Cl^–), total hardness, and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). Groundwater levels of the wells were also recorded. The EC and SAR values of groundwater for some of the wells separately compared with pistachio yield in the orchards irrigated with these wells. Six pistachio gardens with the same management but in different parts were selected, and each garden was divided in two (desired and undesired) parts. In each part of these orchards, soil samples were randomly taken in three replicates from depths of 0–40 and 40–80 cm to determine soil properties. One soil profile was also excavated for soil classification in each part of these gardens. Groundwater in most of the area had EC > 8 dS m^–1 and SAR ≥ 13 (meq L^–1)^0.5. The lowest qualities of groundwater were found in the eastern, southern, and the northern parts of the area, where water's negative effects on pistachio yield have been reported. Statistical results for selected gardens showed that pistachio yield was affected considerably by salinity and clay content of the soils. Modern irrigation techniques and mixing high-quality water with poor-quality water in the area is necessary to prevent the reduction of the water table in the area. Preparing continuous soil salinity and texture maps are recommended for proper pistachio management in the area.     

Interactive Effect of Fluorescent Pseudomonads Rhizobacteria and Zn on the Growth,Chemical Composition,and Water Relations of Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) Seedlings under NaCl Stress

The role of fluorescent pseudomonads isolates (pf₀, pf₁, pf₂, and pf₃) and zinc (Zn) (0 and 5 mg kg^?1 soil) interactions in alleviating salinity in pistachio seedlings were investigated. The experiment was conducted following completely randomized design with three replicates. The results revealed that salinity decreased the growth parameters, while application of PGPR (plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria) and Zn increased these parameters. Application of PGPR significantly enhanced phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), Zn, Ca/sodium (Na), and K/Na contents, while decreased the accumulation of Na and chloride (Cl). Application of PGPR and Zn increased the phenolic compounds, sucrose, membrane stability index (MSI), and relative water content (RWC) but reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) amount. A positive correlation was observed between Zn concentrations with seedling dry weights, phenolic compounds, MSI, and RWC contents. These results indicated that the combined application of PGPR and Zn could be a simple treatment for growth and establishment of pistachio seedlings under Zn deficiency and soil salinity.     

Comparison of growth and mineral accumulation of two solanaceous species,Solanum scabrum Mill. (huckleberry) and S. melongena L. (eggplant), under salinity stress

Solanum scabrum Mill. (huckleberry) is widespread in West, East and Central Africa, where it constitutes one of the most important leafy vegetables. However, the salinity tolerance of this crop has not yet been assessed. The objective of this study was to assess the response of huckleberry to salinity stress in comparison with eggplant (S. melongena L.). Four-week-old seedlings of both species were subjected to two levels of salinity stress, 50 mM and 150 mM sodium chloride (NaCl), for 14 d. Leaf water potential of both species decreased with increasing salinity stress. This decrease was lower in huckleberry than in eggplant. Total dry weight and total leaf area were also decreased by salinity, and the reductions of total dry weight and total leaf area under the 50 mM treatment compared with the control were 25 and 18% in huckleberry, while they were 47 and 55% in eggplant, respectively. The increases in leaf sodium (Na) accumulation in the 50 and 150 mM treatments compared with the control were 65 and 66% for eggplant and 18 and 36% for huckleberry, respectively. Na accumulation in stem and root in huckleberry was higher than that of leaf, whereas it was the reverse in eggplant under both salinity treatments. Huckleberry accumulated less Na in the leaves than eggplant, suggesting that huckleberry might reduce the transport of Na to its leaves more effectively than eggplant. The decrease of potassium (K) accumulation and the increase of Na in leaves by salinity resulted in a higher Na/K ratio in leaves, but this trend was greater in eggplant than in huckleberry. The calcium (Ca) concentration in leaves of huckleberry was also increased by salinity, whereas that of eggplant was decreased. These results indicate that huckleberry is more tolerant to salinity than eggplant, and less decrease in leaf area associated with lower leaf Na and increased Ca concentrations may be important in enhancing quality and sustaining productivity of the crop under this stress.     

Identifying Soil and Plant Nutrition Factors Affecting Yield in Irrigated Mature Pistachio Orchards

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the potential use of a hybrid Genetic Algorithm-Artificial Neural Network (GA–ANN) method for predicting pistachio yield and for identifying the determinant factors affecting pistachio yield in Rafsanjan region, Iran. A total of 142 pistachio orchards were selected randomly and soil samples were taken at three depths. Besides, water samples and leaves from branches without fruit were taken in each sampling point. Management information and pistachio yields were achieved by completing a questionnaire. Primarily, 58 variables affecting pistachio yield were measured, and then 26 out of them were selected by minimizing mean square error (MSE) using a feature selection (FS) method. The results showed that the accuracy of the method was acceptable. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis showed that the main determinant features affecting the pistachio yield were the irrigation water amount, leaf phosphorus, soil soluble magnesium, electrical conductivity (EC), and leaf nitrogen.     

EFFECTS OF WATER SALINITY ON GROWTH INDICES AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN SOME PISTACHIO ROOTSTOCKS

Pistachio is one of the most important horticultural crops in Iran. The majority of the pistachio producing regions is located in arid and semi-arid areas with saline conditions. Therefore, selection of suitable rootstocks is important for increasing yield efficiency of this important nut crop. In this study, the effect of four water salinity levels (0.75, 5, 10 and 15 ds m^?1) on growth indices and physiological parameters of four Pistacia vera L. rootstocks (Badami-e-Zarand A, Badami-e-Zarand B, Qazvini, and Sarakhs) were investigated under greenhouse conditions. After treatment for three months, leaf dry weight was reduced by about 30-50% at an irrigation water electrical conductivity (EC_w) of 10 ds m^?1. Badami-e-Zarand B was the most vigorous rootstock at the highest EC. Decreases in root and stem dry weight (average of all rootstocks combined) occurred at water salinity of 10 ds m^?1. Chemical analysis of shoot and root indicated that the salinity affected the concentration and distribution of sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), and calcium (Ca²⁺) in pistachio rootstocks. The concentrations of Na⁺ and K⁺ increased with a rise in water salinity levels. Comparison between Na⁺ concentration of shoot and root showed that all examined rootstocks limited the Na⁺ transportation to shoot tissue up-to 15 ds m^-1, and retained it in the roots. However, this ability was less in the Sarakhs rootstock. Based on measured parameters, Badami-e-Zarand B and Sarakhs could be considered as tolerant and sensitive pistachio rootstocks to water salinity, respectively.     

Partitioning of Chlorine,Sodium, and Potassium and Shoot Growth of Three Pomegranate Cultivars Under Different Levels of Salinity

Salinity is a major problem in a wide pomegranate-growing area of central Iran. Effects of four levels of salinity on leaf and root chlorine (Cl), sodium (Na), and potassium (K) partitioning and shoot growth in three major commercial cultivars of pomegranate (Punica granatum), namely ‘Alak Torsh,’ ‘Malas Torsh,’ and ‘Malas Shirin,’ under climatic conditions of central Iran were investigated. Pomegranate cuttings were rooted and planted in plastic pots containing 1:1 sand:perlite medium and irrigated immediately with complete Hoagland's solution immediately. Four salinity levels of irrigation water (0, 40, 80, and 120 mM NaCl) were used. Final concentrations of NaCl were achieved after three weeks and continued for 80 d. Growth characteristics (i.e., length of the main stem, length and number of internodes, and leaf surface) were measured during the experiment. At harvest, concentrations of Na, K, and Cl in root and apical and basal leaves of the three cultivars were determined separately. In ‘Malas Torsh’ and ‘Alak Torsh’ cultivars, increasing salinity was proportional to NaCl concentration and reduced the length of stem, the length and number of the internodes, and leaf surface. There was an increase in the growth rate of the ‘Malas Shirin’ cultivar with increasing salinity up to 40 mM, but a decline in growth rate occurred at salinity levels higher than 40 mM. With increasing salinity level, the tissue concentration of Na and Cl increased while the K/Na ratio decreased. No significant differences were observed among the three cultivars in Na, Cl, and K concentrations of roots or apical or basal leaves. These results show that ‘Malas Shirin’ grew better under saline conditions compared with the ‘Malas Torsh’ and ‘Alak Torsh’ cultivars.