Effect of dilution of Red Sea water on survival and seedling growth of two geographical sources in Sudan of Acacia tortilis sub species tortilis

Abstract

Acacia tortilis is an important woody species in Sudan with regard to protection and production. Its distribution is limited to the northern, north-eastern and central Sudan. It tolerates salinity and drought stresses. The objective of this study is to investigate the tolerance of A. tortilis seedlings from two geographical sources to saline condition with regard to survival, mineral content and vegetative growth. Two geographical sources were selected as seed sources according to soil types (Rufaa and Port Sudan). The seeds were sown in silt loam soil on polyethylene bags and irrigated every two days. The irrigation water consists of five levels of salinity EC: (0.4 as control, 4, 8, 12 and 16dSm-1) and survival, plant mineral content and vegetative growth were measured. The results showed that both sources can tolerate salinity but Port Sudan source had significantly higher survival percent, potassium content and growth values than Rufaa source. It was concluded that A. tortilis, from Port Sudan can be included in the Red Sea refforestation program. XII Effect of dilution of Red Sea water on survival and seeding growth of two geographical sources in Sudan of Acacia tortilis sub species