Salinity effect on the initial development of Mimosa scabrella Benth seedlings

Abstract

Under natural conditions, plants are subject to stresses that limit their development and chances of survival, as is the case of soil salinity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of salinity in the early development stages of bracatinga seedlings. A completely randomized design was used in factorial 2 (0 and 3 g/L slow-release fertilizer) x 5 (NaCl solutions in osmotic potentials of 0.0; -0.1; -0.2; -0.3 and -0.4 MPa) with three replicates. At lower levels of salinity (0.0; -0.1 and -0.2 MPa), the fertilized plants showed superior results for height, root collar diameter, root volume, dry mass of root and aerial part, and survival. At higher levels (-0.3 and -0.4 MPa) there was no influence of fertilization. Thus, bracatinga presents potential for cultivation on saline soil, because the initial development of the seedlings occurred satisfactorily under conditions similar to those.