Afforestation of Salt Affected Wasteland I-screening of Forest Tree Species of Madhya Pradesh for Salt Tolerance

Abstract

Germination studies on the seeds of four forest tree species viz. Dendrocalamus Strictus (Bamboo) of Betul and Amarkantak origin, Emblica officinalis (Awala) and Acacia auriculiformis (Australian Babul) were performed in different artificially prepared saline water of 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 mmhos/cm electrical conductivity adjusted in Hoagland solution 1 by incorporating neutral salt, NaCl. Tap water was the control whose Electrical conductivity was .56 mmhos/cm and fresh Hoagland solution contained 1.76 mmhos/cm E.C. Germination data were subjected to statistically analysis with 7 treatments and 8 replications in factorial design. Eamtoo may tolerate higher salt concentration. Bamboo of Amarkantak origin may prove to be better In high salinity conditions, however the same may be very detrimental for the germination of Awala. Australian Babul may not fair well in salt affected conditions.