Salinity level influenced morpho-physiology and nutrient uptake of young citrus rootstocks

Sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.) and Volkamer Lemon (Citrus volkameriana) are two multiple use species that are generally grown as rootstock for sweet oranges. They comprise over 70% of the rootstocks used in Jordan for various citrus scions. Although citrus is highly sensitive to salinity, we hypothesize that rootstocks response to salt stress is different. This study was undertaken to evaluate salt tolerance level of two important rootstock and to identify their potential use in improving salinity tolerance in citrus.  Seedling growth and ion and nutrients uptake and partitioning as well as physiological responses such as chlorophyll content and stomatal resistance and their impact on growth and development were also evaluated under greenhouse conditions.