EFFECT OF SALINE STRESS ON THE MINERAL NUTRITION AND GROWTH OF AROEIRA (Myracrodruon urundeuva) IN NUTRIENT SOLUTION

Abstract

To evaluate the aroeira (Myracrodruon urundeuva) response to salinity, an experiment in a completely randomized design was conducted in Hoagland & Arnon nutrient solution under greenhouse conditions. The treatments corresponded to increasing levels of NaCl (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mol m-3). Seventy-seven days after the beginning tof the treatments, the plants were harvested and the stem diameter, the root, stem and leaf dry matters, and accumulated nutrients evaluated. All parameters presented inverse relation to increasing levels of salt. In all salt levels it was verified a decrease of N, P, K, Ca and Mg accumulated in root, stem and leaves, and an increase of Na accumulation, mainly in root at the first level of NaCl. Symptoms of salt toxicity were identified. Aroeira did not tolerate levels up to 50 mol m-3 of NaCl, indicating that its use is limited in saline soils and that additional studies about this subject are necessary. NaCl levels decreased the nutrient utilization indexes, although its translocation did not vary.