The Effect of Salinity Stress on Gas Exchange Rate and Leaf Water Potential in Cercis Siliquastrum L. and Robinia Pseudoacacia L Species.

Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Cercis siliquastrum L. are appropriate species for plantation and development programs in urban green spaces. This study was done to investigate the physiological response of potted seedling belongs to these species under salinity stress. The experiment was as completely randomized design with four replications (Per repetition 4 pots). For this purpose, in a research greenhouse, seedlings of both species (Black locust and Judas tree) were irrigated with sodium chloride solution in four levels of salinity (0, 5, 10 and 20 dsm) for a period of 90 days. The results indicated that all physiological factors of both species have been reduced with increasing salinity stress, respectively. The lowest values of stomatal conductance, photosynthesis, transpiration and stem water potential were belonged to seedlings irrigated in high levels of salinity. Also, suitable responses of studied parameters up to 10 dsm of salinity were obtained by both species. According to results, It is recommended to use these two species in plantation, afforestation and urban green space development programs, where the density of salinity is lower than10 dsm in soil and water resources (arid and semi- arid regions).