Response some of selected pomegranate (Punica granatum) genotypes to irrigation water salinity

To evaluate the effect of salinity stress on some of growth characteristics of selected pomegranate (Punica granatum) genotypes of regains with salinity water and soil, a factorial experiment was carried out based on completely randomized design (CRD), with two factors; genotypes in 4 levels (‘Vahshi Babolsar’, ‘Narak Lasjerd Semnan’, ‘Chah Afzal’ and ‘Voshik Torsh Saravan’ genotypes and irrigation water salinity in 5 levels (1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 dS/m respectively). The results showed that type of genotype and level of salinity affected morphological and physiological characteristics and concentration of leaves element nutrient. In all of the studied genotypes, with increasing of salinity concentration, growth characteristics including branch height, branch diameter, number of total leaves, green leaves percentage, aerial organs fresh and dry weight, relative humidity percentage, SPAD, contents of a, b and total chlorophylls reduced. But, necrotic leaves percentage, downfall leaves percentage, root fresh weight to aerial organs fresh weight ratio, relative ionic percentage, Na+ and cl- percentage and Na+ to K+ ratio increased. Overall, ‘Chah Afzal’ and ‘Voshik Torsh Saravan’ genotypes were recognized as the most tolerant and sensitive genotypes to salinity stress, in respectively. ‘Chah Afzal’ genotype could be tolerated salinity and 7 dS/m by maintaining its growth characteristics and increasing potassium uptake against sodium.