PJB-2025-1552
Morphological, physiological and biochemical response of two commercial date palm cultivars to induced salt stress
Muhammad Munir
Abstract
Salinity stress significantly impacts the growth and development of date palm cultivars. This study examines the morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits of two date palm cultivars, Barhi and Khalas, to varying salinity levels (0, 5, and 6 dS m⁻¹), highlighting their adaptive mechanisms and resilience under salt stress conditions. Under non-saline conditions (0 dS m⁻¹), both cultivars exhibited optimal growth, with Barhi showing slightly higher shoot elongation rate, leaf area, leaf growth rate, leaf fresh weight, and root length compared to Khalas. However, as salinity increased, significant reductions in these parameters were observed, with Khalas demonstrating greater tolerance to salinity stress. At 5 dS m⁻¹, Khalas maintained higher shoot elongation rate, leaf area, leaf growth rate, leaf fresh weight, and leaf dry weight compared to Barhi, indicating better adaptation to moderate salinity. Under severe salinity (6 dS m⁻¹), Khalas continued to outperform Barhi, suggesting greater resilience to salt stress. Under non-saline conditions, Barhi exhibited higher chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, and stomatal conductance than Khalas. However, as salinity increased, Khalas maintained relatively higher chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, and relative water content, indicating better physiological adaptation to salinity. Barhi showed a more pronounced decline in these parameters, reflecting higher sensitivity to salt stress. Biochemical analysis revealed that Khalas accumulated less sodium and hydrogen peroxide under salinity stress compared to Barhi, suggesting better ion homeostasis and oxidative stress management. Proline content increased in both cultivars under salinity, but Barhi exhibited higher proline accumulation, potentially reflecting a less efficient stress response compared to Khalas. This study concluded that Khalas demonstrated superior tolerance to salinity stress across morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits, making it a more suitable cultivar for cultivation in saline environments. These findings provide valuable insights for selecting salt-tolerant date palm cultivars and improving crop resilience in saline-affected regions
To Cite this article:
Munir, M. 2025. Morphological, physiological and biochemical response of two commercial date palm cultivars to induced salt stress. Pak. J. Bot., 57(6): DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30848/PJB2025-6(35)
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