The effect of NaCl salinity on seed yield, nutrients uptake and their transmission in three local populations of castor bean (Ricinus communis L.)

To study the effect of salinity stress on seed yield, uptake and transmission of elements in three local populations of castor (Ricinus communis L.), a factorial experiment was performed with three replications in a completely randomized design including five levels of salinity (1.2, 2, 2.6, 3.8 and 4.8 dS/m in soil saturation paste) as the first factor and castor populations (Shiraz, Kerman and Urumieh) as the second factor. The results showed a significant effect of salinity stress on seed weight and concentration of K, Ca and Mg in the shoots and the roots of castor. The results also showed that different populations have a significant difference considering all their studied factors except Na in roots. Salinity reduced the concentrations of potassium, calcium and magnesium in shoots and roots while the concentration of Na increased. The highest and the lowest of seed yield were observed for Shiraz and Urumieh populations, respectively. The results suggest that Shiraz population is suitable for saline condition.