INFLUENCE OF SALINITY ON THE MORPHOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR AND IONIC RESPONSE OF DIFFERENT COMMERCIALLY IMPORTANT BAMBOO SPECIES

Salinity has been considered as a major issue responsible for land degradation across the globe with more severity in arid to semi-arid regions. Because of diverse adaptability to various environments, bamboos are potential species for the retrieval of such lands. In the present study, four bamboo species, i.e., Dendrocalamits giganteus, Dendrocalamus strictus, Dendrocalamits hamiltonii, and Dendrocalamits longispathus, were used to evaluate the growth performance of these selected species against salinity stress. Five different NaCl-salinity levels were developed (i.e., 1.25 dSm-1,05 dSm-1 ,10 dSm-1, 15 dSm-1, 20 dSm-1) artificially in pots having six replications that was arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD). Different morphological traits (Shoot length, root length, stem diameter, number of leaves, number of branches, and leaf area), plant bi-omass (shoot and root fresh and dry weight, root-shoot ratio), and ionic concentrations (Na1 and K+) were studied. As the NaCl-salinity concentration increased, the decline in morphological parameters was observed, and biomass production also behaved likewise. Na1 concentration increased at a higher salinity level; simultaneously, the K1 concentration found decreased as the salinity level increased. NaCl-salinity formed an overall negative effect on the growth of different bamboo species. The growth of D. giganteus was the least affected, which makes it more salt-tolerant as compared to other species, hence suitable for reclamation of degraded lands. D. strictus and D. hamiltonii showed a moderate response, while D. longispathus was exhibited maximum damage by salt in response to salinity.