Bunch grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.): a potential forage crop for saline environment

Issue Date

4-2014

Abstract

The growth and biochemical responses of Cenchrus ciliaris L. (Bunch grass) were investigated under varying levels of salinity under controlled growth conditions. C. ciliaris rhizomes were planted in pots acclimatized for 21 days, then subjected to 0 (control), 50, 100, 150, 200 ml mol/L NaCI in full strength Hoagland solution for 60d. Elevated level (200 m mol/L) of salinity induced a significant (P0.05) reduction in fresh and dry biomass of plants. Macronutrient (Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+) of the roots and shoots were also influenced by salt stress, but more drastic change (P0.05) was observed in the shoots. A steaky K+ uptake by the schools was observed with increasing salt levels. Both Fe and Zn content of the shoot progressively declined, which was much profound at 200m mol/L NaCI. An appreciable increase of (up to 3 fold was observed) in the amount of proteins and total soluble sugars were noticed after exposure to different salinity levels. C. ciliaris appeared to cope with salt stress through an integrated mechanism of salt tolerance, which includes greater K+ uptake, capacity to maintain Na+/Ca2+ ratios and enhanced biosynthesis of protein and sugars. The study has shown the salt tolerance potential of C. ciliaris, and has potential to be grown as a substitute for traditional forage crops under saline condition.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Journal of Crop Science

ISSN

0115-463X

Volume

39

Issue

1

Page

52-57

Document Type

Article

Physical Description

illustrations; table

Language

English

Subject

Grasses; Salinity

En – AGROVOC descriptors

CENCHRUS; GRASSES; VARIETIES; FEED CROPS; SALT TOLERANCE; SALINITY CONTROL; GROWTH

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