Meeting the challenge of salinity: Evaluation of selected rootstocks for response to salinity
Salinity has a broad range of effects on plants, therefore, there are also many different mechanisms for plants to tolerate this stress. Plants can reduce toxicity by reducing accumulation of toxic ions in the leaf blades (Na+ and Cl− exclusion), and/or by increasing their ability to tolerate the salts that they have failed to exclude from the shoot, such as by compartmentation into vacuoles (tissue tolerance; Munns and Tester 2008). The influence of chloride concentrations and other elements in the leaves was studied because California growers are faced with having to use irrigation water high in salts, especially high in sodium and chloride.
Salinity Chloride Interactions and their Influence on Avocado Yields
Avocado is one of the most salinity sensitive horticultural crops, but is commonly grown in areas having saline irrigation water (an EC greater than 0.75 dS/m and chloride >100 ppm). Resulting problems associated with high soil salinity and chloride toxicity include reductions in fruit yield and tree size, lowered leaf chlorophyll content, decreased photosynthesis, poor root growth, and leaf scorching (Mickelbart et al., 2007).
Salinity Management 2011 End-of-Year Report
Avocado yields are decreased by chloride toxicity and soil salinity throughout California orchards but there is little information on the extent to which different rootstocks can be used to improve tree performance under saline conditions. This research has been aimed at the development of a production function model that can be used to predict the impacts of irrigation water chloride content and salinity (EC) on avocado yields.
Salinity-Chloride Interactions Effects on Yield
Avocado yields are decreased by chloride toxicity and soil salinity throughout California avocado orchards but there is little information on the extent to which different rootstocks can be used to improve tree performance under saline conditions. This research is aimed at the development of a production function model that can be used to predict the impacts of irrigation water chloride content and salinity (EC) on avocado yields.
Salinity Tolerance in Avocado
This project is aimed at evaluation and recommendation of rootstocks that are useful for production of avocado on saline soils. Rootstocks identified as salinity tolerant and that also meet criteria with respect to productivity and Phytophthora resistance from other related projects will be recommended for commercial release. Rootstocks with high salinity tolerance are also being incorporated into the breeding program.
Rootstock Screening and Salinity Management in Avocado
This project will provide avocado growers with information on which rootstocks are most useful for production of avocado on saline soils. Identification of rootstocks that can be incorporated into the breeding program will eventually allow growers to use irrigation water having a higher salinity content that is currently used for avocado production. As water costs increase and growers rely increasingly on saline water for irrigation, this will permit use of higher salinity water with lesser damage to the trees and concomitant reductions in crop yield.
