Relative tolerance of rooted cuttings of four Vinifera varieties to sodium chloride

Abstract

Rooted cuttings of four varieties, Sultana (syn. Thompson Seedless), Zante Currant, Waltham Cross, and Gordo Blanco were grown in a glasshouse for four weeks in nutrient solution to which six sodium chloride treatments ranging from 0 to 125 m-equiv./l. were added. Treatment effects on shoot extension, dry matter production, and chloride content in leaves and in roots were observed and are discussed in relation to relative tolerances to saline mediums. Gordo was more sensitive to sodium chloride than the other three varieties ; growth was more severely reduced and was affected at lower treatment levels. Considerable growth depressions occurred in all varieties before the onset of symptoms. Results suggest that a foliar chloride level corresponding to reduced growth in one variety is not applicable to all varieties.