Growth and Photosynthetic characteristics of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) as influenced by salinity

Abstract

Lucerne cv. RL 88, T 9 and Anand 2 were irrigated with four levels of saline water (0.8, 4, 8,12 dSm-1 ) and the effect on growth and photosynthetic efficiency were examined. Leaf photosynthesis rate (pn) was maintained in Anand 2 but declined in RL 88 at higher salinity level. T 9 showed an increase in Pn at 4 dSm-1 • The reduction in Pn at higher salinity level was the result ofincreased stomatal resistance and thereby low intercellular CO2 concentration. RL 88 and Anand 2 maintained tlie herbage yield witb increasing levels of salinity. In cv. T9 however, the herbage yield decreased by 57% at 12 dSm-1 in comparison to control