Effect of salinity on growth and mineral composition of six Pennisetum Clones.

Abstract

The work was carried out in the green house of the Department of Animal Production of the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Brazil. The study was carried out on artificially saline soil, using six clones of Pennisetum, two levels of salinity and six replications, totaling 72 parcels. The experiments aimed at evaluating the influence of salinity on fresh and dry biomass production and shoot mineral composition of five clones of elephant-grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) and one hybrid of elephant-grass with millet (Pennisetum americanum Leek). The salt treatments brought about a decrease in production of fresh and dry shoot biomass of the clones of Pennisetum, mainly those least tolerant to salt stress. Concentration of sodium and calcium in the shoots of the clones increased in line with salt treatments while concentration of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and sulphur decreased. No significant changes were observed on magnesium concentration.