<I>Morinda citrifolia</I> (Noni) - a Viable Alternative for Tsunami Affected Agricultural Lands

Abstract

Salinization is a critical issue as it reduces or inhibits plant growth. The degree of salinization depends on the duration of exposure to sea water and the soil type. Remediation will therefore require much more time and inputs. The steps in the reclamation of saltaffected soils include, Leaching/surface flushing of salts and through the use of salt-tolerant crops and varieties and Noni (Morinda citrifolia) has been identified as one of the potential salt tolerant tree species capable of withstanding salinity. Thus an experiment was conducted in a variety of range of salinity to observe its influence on growth and yield of Noni. The results revealed that Noni could grow upto an EC level of 13.5 dSm^-1 with normal flowering and fruiting while the plant exhibited tolerance upto an EC level of 21.3dSm^-1. Hence, Noni has emerged as an important alternative crop in Tsunami affected areas of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Since this plant tolerates high salinity and tolerant of ocean salt spray the farmers of the coastal regions may be advised to take up its plantations commercially in large scale in saline area and also in the tsunami affected land. As Noni is tolerant of extreme salinity in general and is thought to possibly gain nutritional benefit from the minerals contained in sea water. It is suggested that Noni may play a vital role in giving boost to the economy to the growers and unused land can be made useful by giving clean green environment.