Respiration Rate,Catalase Activity,Peroxidase Activity and Growth of Roots of Citrus Rootstocks*

Observations of respiration rate, catalase activity, peroxidase activity ("physiological activity”) and some growth characteristics of roots of citrus rootstocks were made. These were carried out on seedlings of six rootstocks (five months old) grown in a standard nutrient solution and on seven- to ten-year-old budded trees growing in the orchard. The orchard trees, budded to only one scion, were propagated from the same rootstocks as were used in the study of seedlings. A comparison was also made of five additional scions budded on one rootstock.

A technique was developed to obtain roots from orchard trees for the study of their physiological and morphological characteristics.

Significant differences were found in the “physiological activity” of the roots of the various rootstock seedlings. A significant negative correlation existed between the final length of the main root and the physiological activity of the roots.

Significant differences were found in the physiological activity of the roots of the various mature rootstocks budded with Shamouti sweet orange.

A clear and marked influence of the various scions on the physiological activity of the roots of sour-orange was observed.

An obvious positive correlation existed between respiration rate, catalase activity and peroxidase activity of the roots. The use of two different H-donors resulted in differences in the peroxidase activity measured.

The significance of the variations in physiological response of the roots is discussed.     

Eggplant relatives as sources of variation for developing new rootstocks: Effects of grafting on eggplant yield and fruit apparent quality and composition

We propose the utilization of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) interspecific hybrids derived from crosses with closely related species as an approach for developing new improved rootstocks for eggplant. Here we investigate rootstock effects on fruit yield, apparent quality and proximate and mineral composition of S. melongena ‘Black Beauty’ (BB) scions grafted on interspecific hybrid rootstocks developed from crosses of S. melongena with Solanum incanum L. (SI × SM) and Solanum aethiopicum L. (SM × SA). The results are compared with non-grafted (BB control) and self-grafted (BB/BB) controls and with S. melongena ‘Black Beauty’ scions grafted onto Solanum torvum Sw. (STO) and Solanum macrocarpon L. (SMA) rootstocks. All treatments were grown in a soil naturally infested with root-knot nematodes (mostly Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood). SI × SM and SM × SA interspecific hybrids had high germination (≥90%) and total graft success (100%). Contrary to what occurred with all other treatments, no plants from scions grafted onto these hybrid rootstocks died during the experiment. In particular, the SI × SM hybrid rootstock conferred the highest vigour to the scion, which resulted in the highest values for fruit earliness and early and total yield. Little difference was observed among treatments for apparent fruit quality traits, except for a greater fruit calyx length and prickliness of fruit grafted onto SMA rootstocks. A similar result was obtained for fruit composition where phenolics content was higher in fruit from plants grafted onto SMA rootstocks. Grafting eggplant onto interspecific eggplant hybrids, especially on the SI × SM hybrid, has proved advantageous for eggplant production, as the high vigour and good compatibility of the rootstock with scion results in improved early and total yield without negative effects on apparent fruit quality or composition. Interspecific hybrids represent an alternative to the commonly used STO rootstock, which is a wild species with irregular germination.     

Effect of salinity on uptake and distribution of chloride and sodium in some citrus scion-rootstock combinations

The effect of scion on Cl and Na accumulation and the transport properties of rootstocks was investigated using grafted plants. The combinations of Navel orange (C. sinensis (L.) Osb.) and Clementine (C. clementine Hort. ex Tan) scions on Cleopatra mandarin (C. reticulata Blanco) and Troyer citrange (C. sinensis X P. trifoliata) rootstocks, were used in all experiments. Plants were grown under glasshouse conditions for 14 weeks supplied with nutrient solution containing 0-60 mM NaCl. Relative growth and defoliation were studied. The reduction in relative growth caused by salt, treatments was more scion- dependent, whereas defoliation was more rootstock-dependent. Changes in leaf and root ionic contents were measured. Scions on Cleopatra mandarin accumulated less Cl in their leaves and roots than did scions on Troyer citrange. The distribution of Cl in the whole plant showed that Clementine had a reduced ability to transport Cl from roots to leaves. However, sodium content was lower in scions on Troyer citrange than Cleopatra mandarin. The distribution of Na in the whole plant showed that Troyer citrange restricted the transport of Na to the scion. There was little difference in P content in all combinations. Salinity decreased sharply the N content of leaves and roots in plants on Troyer citrange, but there was only a slight effect in plants on Cleopatra mandarin. The pattern of N accumulation was inversely correlated with the pattern of Cl accumulation. Salinity decreased K, Ca and Mg contents in leaves and roots of all combinations.     

不同葡萄砧穗组合根系构型研究

为探讨砧木根系组成的差异,以田间生长的6种葡萄嫁接植株为试材,挖根测定不同砧穗组合的根系构型,结果表明,以1103P为砧木的根系为深根性,3个品种组合分支角度为20°～40°,根系垂直分布为0～80cm土层,其中以20～40cm土层根量最大;而SO4砧木的根系为浅根性,分支角度为70°～90°,水平延伸为主,根系58.7%～67.5%集中分布于0～20cm土层内,60cm以下土层没有根系。地上部嫁接品种对同一砧木的根构型,特别是根系分布和根系数量有一定影响,但对分支角度影响不大。均以1103P为砧木,黑乌拉的根系分布深于桑乔维赛和法国兰;以SO4为砧木,维帝朝的表层根系明显多于波斯克,而桑乔维赛的根系数量明显少于维帝朝和波斯克。由此可见,品种对砧木有一定的反馈调节作用,但2种砧木根系构型差异明显,生产上应该根据生态条件选择深根或浅根性砧木。     

The effects of low boron on growth,gas exchange,boron concentration and distribution of ‘Newhall’ navel orange (Citrus sinensis Osb.) plants grafted on two rootstocks

The effects of low boron (B) on plant growth, photosynthesis, B concentration and distribution of ‘Newhall’ orange (Citrus sinensis Osb.) plants grafted on either Trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.) or Carrizo citrange [C. sinensis (L.) Osb. × Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.] rootstocks were investigated. One-year-old plants of the two scion-rootstock combinations were grown for 183 days in sand:perlite (1:1, v/v) medium under greenhouse conditions. The plants were irrigated with half-strength Hoagland's nutrient solutions containing four B concentrations (0.01, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.25 mg l⁻¹). The growth of root, stem of scion and leaves was less affected by low B treatments when ‘Newhall’ scion was grafted on Carrizo citrange than on Trifoliate orange. Thus, the growth of scions under low B conditions was mainly depended on the rootstock used, i.e., Carrizo citrange-grafted plants were more tolerant to low B compared to the plants grafted on Trifoliate orange. Boron concentrations in all plant parts decreased significantly by decreasing the B supply in the nutrient solution. Leaves were the dominant sites of B accumulation and showed the greatest reduction in B concentration compared to the other plant parts, as B concentration in the nutrient solution decreased. Irrespective of the rootstock, B levels in the upper–younger leaves were substantially higher than in basal-older leaves when plants were exposed to low B concentrations (≤0.05 mg l⁻¹), suggesting that under such conditions B was preferentially translocated to upper–younger leaves to support their growth. Furthermore, B distribution in different plant parts indicated that there was a restriction in translocation of B from root to scion tissues (stems and leaves of scion) under conditions of limited B availability. In addition, low B treatments decreased leaf photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate but increased intercellular CO₂ concentration in the leaves of ‘Newhall’ plants, irrespective of the rootstock used.     

SDC系苹果矮化砧木生长、结果及抗逆性的研究

以SDC系苹果砧木为试材,连续9年观察测定了在其上嫁接的红星树早花、早果、产量、果实品质、树体矮化性及抗逆性等生物学特性.结果表明:(1)SDC系砧木嫁接树比M9、M7嫁接树提早1—2年开花结果,幼树期花量密度大,5年生树总花序数及单位树干面积花序数明显高于M9和M7.(2)果皮色素花青苷含量、果肉可溶性固形物含量和总糖量均高于M9和M7,果实外观及内在品质优良.(3)幼树矮化性状明显,树高/冠幅比值小,树冠开张.(4)叶片蒸腾量小.脱落酸(ABA)含量高,单位叶面积失水量小,抗旱性强.(5)嫁接树越冬期枝条自由水含量高,抽条率明显低于M9,越冬能力强.并对SDC系砧木的优缺点进行了讨论.     

不同苗龄接穗西瓜嫁接体愈合的组织细胞学研究

 对不同苗龄接穗的西瓜（葫芦砧木）嫁接苗的嫁接体愈合组织进行组织学和细胞学观察。结果表明：接穗苗龄5 d、7 d和10 d的嫁接苗,嫁接愈合快,嫁接6 d后管状分子已开始分化,8 d后隔离层基本消失,维管束桥形成,近愈合面细胞内有丰富细胞器,嫁接苗的成活率达90%以上;而接穗苗龄为13 d和18 d的嫁接组合在嫁接8 d后愈合面隔离层仍存在,愈合面两侧细胞中细胞器少,鲜见维管束桥连通,嫁接苗的成活率分别为83.3%和72%。因此认为,维管束桥的形成及愈合面细胞中丰富的细胞器,是西瓜嫁接苗成活的组织学和细胞学特征,接穗苗龄小于10 d适合于进行嫁接,嫁接苗成活率高。     

低温胁迫下番茄幼苗根穗互作对其抗坏血酸—谷胱甘肽循环的影响

为探讨番茄根系与接穗及其互作效应影响嫁接苗耐冷性的效应大小与生理机制,以耐冷性强的番茄‘060112’(R)和冷敏感番茄‘060911’(S)为试材,采用靠接法进行嫁接,组成双根双穗嫁接苗RS/RS,待嫁接苗成活后通过断根或断穗,形成R/R、R/RS、R/S、S/R、S/RS和S/S共6个根/穗组合处理,置于光强22 klx、光周期12 h/12 h光照培养箱,测定昼夜温度10℃/3℃低温胁迫9 d及25℃/15℃常温恢复3 d时嫁接苗叶片和根系中活性氧水平及As A-GSH循环中关键酶和抗氧化物质的变化。结果表明,低温胁迫显著提高了番茄嫁接苗叶片和根系中H_2O_2含量及超氧阴离子产生速率,但耐冷性强的R根系嫁接苗活性氧水平显著低于冷敏感的S根系嫁接苗,虽然R接穗嫁接苗活性氧水平亦显著低于S接穗嫁接苗,但降幅不及根系嫁接苗的大,表明根系在增强嫁接苗耐冷性中的作用大于接穗。低温胁迫下,各处理嫁接苗叶片和根系As A-GSH循环中关键酶(APX、MDHAR、DHAR、GR)活性和抗氧化物质(As A、DHA、GSH、GSSG)的含量均显著增加,且除DHA和GSSG外,均以R根系或R接穗嫁接苗较高,S根系或S接穗嫁接苗较低,RS根系或RS接穗嫁接苗居中,表明低温胁迫下耐冷性强的R根系或接穗嫁接苗的抗氧化能力显著高于S根系或接穗嫁接苗。具RS双接穗的嫁接苗中又以RS-R叶片的抗氧化能力显著高于RS-S叶片,且互作效应的P值小于0.01(或0.05),表明根、穗对嫁接苗耐冷性存在显著的互作效应。     

Rootstock effect on growth of apple scions with different growth habits

Apple scions with diverse growth habits were grafted on various size-controlling rootstocks and morphological characteristics were measured after 6 years of growth in the field. Scion had more influence than rootstock on monthly growth rate. Across all rootstocks, scions with spreading growth habits grew rapidly in April and May and achieved most seasonal growth earlier than scions with upright growth habits that grew slowly early in the season. In all growth habits and rootstocks, growth rate slowed appreciably but did not cease by August and growth did not terminate earlier for any one scion–rootstock combination. Across all scions, the dwarfing rootstock, M.9, consistently had the lowest and seedling rootstock had the greatest tree height and trunk diameter. However, no one size-controlling rootstock consistently influenced dates of bud break and full bloom, shoot elongation rate, or duration of growth. Tree growth form was not fundamentally affected by rootstock. Significant interactions indicated that effects of size-controlling rootstock on components of shoot growth will vary with apple tree growth habit. These effects on phenology and development can be significant to growers and may assist breeders in developing new apple cultivars.     

Selection of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for citrus growth promotion and Phytophthora suppression

In order to reduce unnecessary amount of P-fertilizer and severity of Phytophthora root rot in citrus orchards, the experiment was set up. Thirteen indigenous arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) fungi species were isolated from rhizosphere soil of citrus orchards in Thailand and were then propagated into three host plants [sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), maize (Zea mays), and leek (Allium cepa)] by trap culture. We also tested whether indigenous AMF species (13 different species) could colonize into three cultivars of citrus scions and rootstocks (Shogun: Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. Shogun; Tangerine: C. reticulata; and C-35 citrange: Citrus sinensis × Poncirus trifoliata). With root colonization rates, the results indicated that Acaulospora tuberculata and Glomus etunicatum provided the best colonization in all citrus cultivars. We selected, therefore, those AMF species to verify their influences on citrus growth and Phytophthora root rot resistance. Three cultivars of citrus scions and rootstocks, Shogun, Tangerine and C-35 citrange, were inoculated with two effective indigenous AMF species, G. etunicatum or A. tuberculata in order to determine the influences on citrus growth. The plants were investigated to determine the mycorrhizal efficiency index (MEI), AM colonization, P content, and other parameters. Co-inoculation of AMF species (G. etunicatum or A. tuberculata) with Phytophthora nicotianae was also carried out in Shogun scion/C-35 citrange rootstocks. The results of citrus growth revealed that Shogun and Tangerine inoculated with G. etunicatum produced the highest MEI. Tangerine and C-35 citrange amended with fertilizers and G. etunicatum showed the highest P content in leaves. This indicated that G. etunicatum has an influence on citrus growth and P uptake, suggesting it to be the highly effective strain. Shogun scion/C-35 citrange rootstock combinations that were inoculated by both P. nicotianae and different AM fungi (G. etunicatum or A. tuberculata) showed root injury at low level of root rot symptom. However, the part of Shogun scions grafted on rootstocks showed severe symptom of shoot die back in treatment inoculated with P. nicotianae alone, while treatment inoculated with different AM species (G. etunicatum or A. tuberculata) and P. nicotianae rendered lower shoot die back symptoms than that of Phytophthora treatment. The low level of shoot die back symptom was shown at first, then healthy young shoot was restored. Our results indicated the facts that different host plants and different AMF species produced different outcomes of growth and pathogen resistance. The application of both AM isolates, therefore, has an enormous potential to be produced the inoculum for citrus orchards.     

Effect of irrigation frequency on cashew nut yield in Northeast Brazil

The study was carried out in Ceará, Brazil, with the goal of evaluating the response of three dwarf cashew clones to different irrigation frequencies. Cashew trees were evaluated during seven consecutive seasons, from the 2nd to the 8th year after planting. Four irrigation treatments were used: no irrigation, and irrigation when accumulated evaporation on a class “A” pan equaled 10 mm (T10), 30 mm (T30), and 50 mm (T50). The sub plot treatments were three cashew clones (CCP 09, CCP 76, and CCP 1001). Seasonal irrigation rates were the same for all irrigated treatments, and ranged from 400 to 500 mm per year for fully developed plants (6–8 years old). Response to irrigation varied among cashew genotypes. Irrigation had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on nut yield of cashew clones CCP 76 and CCP 09. The highest nut yield was obtained with cashew clone CCP 09, irrigated when accumulated pan evaporation reached 10 mm. Cashew trees trended to alternate years of high nut yield and years of low yield, even when irrigation was applied. Irrigation did not influence nut weight of clones CCP 76 and CCP 09.     

不同砧木对西瓜嫁接苗生长及萌蘖发生的影响

以小兰西瓜为接穗,选取6个葫芦砧木和4个南瓜砧木,插接法嫁接,研究不同砧木嫁接对西瓜嫁接苗嫁接成活率、接穗生长和砧木萌蘖发生的影响。结果表明:葫芦砧木嫁接成活率高于南瓜砧木,均达到90%以上,南瓜砧木中以东方明珠嫁接成活率较高,达到92.81%。葫芦砧木力根和南瓜砧木东方明珠对接穗生长影响较为显著,接穗株高、茎粗、叶片数、干鲜质量、叶绿素(a+b)及类胡萝卜素含量、根系活力均显著高于相应对照强根和京欣砧2号。葫芦砧木中,ZM-1和力根砧木萌蘖叶片较小,叶柄较短,南瓜砧木中,以东方明珠和京欣砧4号萌蘖生长较缓。综合评价认为:葫芦砧木力根和南瓜砧木东方明珠嫁接西瓜不仅嫁接成活率高,而且能明显促进接穗生长,降低砧木萌蘖侧枝的发生,可作为西瓜嫁接栽培中砧木选择的参考品种。     

Study of long-distance movement of Plum pox virus (Sharka) as an alternative resistance-evaluation method in Prunus

During the breeding programs for Plum pox virus (PPV, Sharka) resistance in Prunus, the evaluation of the new releases through symptoms observation on leaves has been contradictory and represents one of the main handicaps in these programs. In order to increase the accuracy of this traditional evaluation method, we here analyze an alternative method based on the study of the ability of a genotype to allow the long-distance movement of the virus through its vascular vessels. Two different plant models have been assayed: (a) in Model I, the inoculation was performed in the ‘GF305’ rootstock with a later grafting of the genotype under evaluation and a scion of healthy control ‘GF305’, to evaluate the long-distance movement through the studied genotype from the rootstock to the scion (xylem transport), and (b) in Model II, the inoculation with ‘GF305’ diseased scions was performed by grafting these diseased scions onto the studied genotypes, which were grafted onto healthy ‘GF305’ peach seedlings, to evaluate the long-distance movement through the studied genotype from the scion to the rootstock (phloem transport). The results show that, regardless of the presence of symptoms, susceptible genotypes allowed the movement of the virus through their vascular vessels in both directions studied. However, the resistant apricot ‘Stark Early Orange’ did not allow this movement. We propose the study of the ability of a genotype to allow the long-distance movement of the virus as an alternative and more accurate method for the evaluation of PPV resistance. However, this protocol is much more tedious than the traditional one and could be used mainly in the evaluation of a reduced number of more interesting genotypes.     

Screening wild Eriobotrya species as rootstocks for loquat

Summary

Six wild species of Eriobotrya were evaluated as rootstocks for domesticated loquat. Twelve-month-old seedlings of Oak leaf loquat (an Oak Leaf loquat ‘Zaozhong No. 6’ hybrid) and wild Fragrant loquat (E. fragrans Champ) had higher root-to-shoot fresh weight (FW) ratios than other wild species. When the domesticated loquat, ‘Zaozhong No. 6’, was grafted onto seedlings of six different wild loquat species, differences in compatibility were observed. Graft compatibility was lower for all combinations compared to ‘Zaozhong No. 6’ grafted onto domesticated loquat seedlings. When wild Henry loquat was used as a rootstock, delayed incompatibility was observed. Differences in soluble sugar contents (SSC) between scion and rootstock were observed, and there was a significant negative correlation between graft compatibility and the difference in SSC values. The influence of the rootstock on anatomical changes at the graft union were observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Wild rootstocks also influenced scion growth, fruit bearing, and fruit quality. Graft combinations which used wild Fragrant loquat as the rootstock had increased cold tolerance and improved scion growth. Wild Fragrant loquat therefore appears to have value as a rootstock for domesticated loquat.     

嫁接对柑橘microRNA表达的影响

以‘锦橙’、‘资阳香橙’、‘飞龙枳’实生苗和‘锦橙’/‘资阳香橙’、‘锦橙’/‘飞龙枳’嫁接苗为试材,通过荧光定量PCR检测miRNA及其靶基因在嫁接苗和实生苗叶片和根系中的表达差异,分析嫁接对柑橘microRNAs及其靶基因表达的影响。结果证明嫁接对柑橘miRNA的表达有直接的影响。嫁接的影响更多地是促进接穗中一些与调控植物生长发育、胁迫应答及激素信号转导相关的miRNA的表达,并抑制了其对应靶基因的表达;而在砧木中,嫁接对根系的影响较多表现为抑制与植物生长发育、胁迫应答相关的miRNA的表达,促进其靶基因的表达。受影响的miRNA的种类及其表达的差异水平在不同砧木间有明显差异。     

Carbohydrate profiles in the graft union of young sweet cherry trees grown on dwarfing and vigorous rootstocks

In composite (scion–rootstock) dwarfing fruit trees, an overgrowth at the graft union is often observed, the severity of which is correlated with degree of dwarfing. The graft union of dwarfing sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) rootstocks may limit soluble sugar transport or starch mobilization, leading to localized accumulation. Soluble sugars and starch were measured in the tissues surrounding the graft union of young ‘Rainier’ (2002) and ‘Lapins’ (2003) sweet cherry trees on ‘Gisela 5’ (‘Gi 5’; dwarfing) and ‘Colt’ (vigorous) rootstocks. Separate rootstock shank, rootstock, graft union, and scion tissues were analyzed for both starch and soluble sugar content throughout the growing season in both years. Starch concentrations did not vary among locations within the graft union for ‘Rainier’ on either the dwarfing or vigorous rootstock, or for ‘Lapins’ on the dwarfing stock. However, for ‘Lapins’ on ‘Colt’, starch was highest in the rootstock shank and declined vertically (rootstock shank ? rootstock > union > scion). Soluble sugar concentrations were generally similar to or higher in scions on ‘Gi 5’ than on ‘Colt’, and were similar to or lower in the rootstock and rootstock shank on ‘Gi 5’ than on ‘Colt’. Results suggest that rootstock has a significant effect of localized accumulations of carbohydrates above and within the graft union of ‘Gi 5’ and below the graft union of ‘Colt’.     

Early detection of graft incompatibility in apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) using phenol analyses

The study investigated the role of phenols in apricot graft incompatibility. Assays of phloem with cambium from 1-year-old apricot trees of cultivars Marlen, Leskora and Betinka which were grafted on the rootstocks of different genetic origin: M-LE-1, Lesiberian, MY-KL-A, Tetra, Penta, Green Gage, Julior, MRS 2/5 and Isthara were analysed with HPLC (together 23 scion/stock combinations). The phloroglucinol, catechin, p-coumaric acid and further non-identified phenols with the retention time 23–25 and 30 min were determined. The content of individual phenol compounds was related to specific cultivar/rootstock combination. The minimum number of statistical significant differences in the phenol content between tissues above and below graft union was established in homospecific combinations (P. armeniaca/P. armeniaca). Cultivars Marlen, Leskora and Betinka differ in the degree of compatibility or incompatibility with rootstocks. The pattern of non-identified phenol 23 in different graft combinations is similar to catechin and p-coumaric acid.     

The effect of grafting on nitrogen use in determinate field-grown tomatoes

Grafting tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) onto disease resistant rootstocks has grown in use in North America over the past two decades. Rootstocks have traditionally been bred and used for their resistance packages to numerous soil-borne diseases but some rootstocks appear to improve scion yield and vigour in comparison to non-grafted plants in conditions lacking disease challenge. In this study, the tomato rootstocks ‘Maxifort’ or ‘RST-106’ were used to determine if vigour improved ‘Tribute’ scion traits, especially yield, and if marketable yield could be maintained in grafted plants at reduced nitrogen fertiliser inputs. Plants were grown in an open-field plasticulture production system at five rates of nitrogen from 0 kg ha^?1 to 224 kg ha^?1 applied via drip irrigation. Marketable yield was significantly affected by nitrogen rate and rootstock in both years. ‘Tribute’ grafted onto ‘Maxifort’ rootstock had the greatest, most consistent impact and increased marketable yield 15% and 30% in 2013 and 2014, respectively, compared to the non-grafted ‘Tribute’. Our findings suggest that some rootstocks can increase scion growth and yield but do not differentially respond to decreased nitrogen rates.     

Identification by isoenzymes of five cultivars of Citrus medica grafted on four rootstocks

Summary

Four enzymatic systems: esterase, acid phosphatase (both rapid and slow types) and peroxidase were studied on five cultivars of Citrus medica grafted on four rootstocks. The results showed that the analysis of esterase banding patterns permitted a clear distinction of the cultivars because esterase patterns were reproducible and were not affected by the rootstocks. In some instances differences in peroxidase patterns and staining intensities could be observed in certain combinations of scion/rootstock of the same cultivar.     

Evaluation of Salinity Tolerance of Some Selected Almond Genotypes Budded on GF677 Rootstock

ABSTRACT

In order to evaluate the tolerance of some almond genotypes to salinity, a factorial experiment was carried out based on completely randomized design (CRD), with two factors: genotypes in 11 levels (Tuono, Nonparaeil, Mamaie, Shokoufeh, Sahand, ‘Ferragnès,’ 1–16, 1–25, A₂₀₀, 13–40 budded on GF₆₇₇ rootstock, and GF₆₇₇ (without budding)) and irrigation water salinity in five levels (0, 1.2, 2.4, 3.6, and 4.8 g/l of natural salt (equal electrical conductivity 0.5, 2.5, 4.9, 7.3, and 9.8 dS/m, respectively) and with 4 replication for each treatment in research greenhouse of Seed and Plant Institute in years 2013 and 2014. The results showed that with increasing salinity concentration, growth indicators include the branch height, branch diameter, number of total leaves, percentage of green leaves, leaf density on the main branch, leaf area and leaf area ratio, relative humidity content, chlorophyll index, chlorophylls a, b, total, scion fresh and dry weight, root fresh and dry weight have been reduced in the all genotypes studied, but percentage of necrotic leaves, percentage of downfall leaves, root fresh and dry weight ratio to scion fresh and dry weight, relative ionic percentage, and cell membrane injury percentage of leaves were increased. The results of chlorophyll fluorescence showed that salinity stress affected on the young trees by increasing the amount of minimum fluorescence (F_O) and decreasing the maximum fluorescence (F_m) and reduced variable fluorescence (F_v) in the plants and reduced variable fluorescence ratio to maximum fluorescence of 0.83 in the control plants to 0.72 in Sahand cultivar and GF₆₇₇ rootstock. The result showed that type of scion was affected in obstruction of Na⁺ absorption by the roots and their transported to leaves, as well as was affected in increasing uptake of K⁺ by the roots and their transported to leaves. In this research, GF₆₇₇ is well tolerated to water salinity to 4.9 dS/m but with higher range of salinity showed stress effects. The result showed that type of genotypes budded on GF₆₇₇ rootstock was very effective in tolerant to salinity. Overall, ‘Ferragnès’ was recognized as the most tolerant cultivar to salinity stress. This cultivar could tolerate salinity 3.6 g/l (Ec: 7.3 dS/m). Also, Sahand was recognized as the most sensitive cultivar to salinity stress.