A study on the morphological and physiological traits of Stabragh (Calotropts procera L.) under drought and saline area of Golestan province

Stabragh belongs to the Asclepiadaceae family and is resistant to high levels of drought and salinity. Its organs have been used for the treatment of various diseases. In order to study the adaptation and stability of this plant under drought and saline conditions in Golestan province, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, plant seeds were cultivated in Gorgan, Gonbad, and Aghghala under different degrees of salinity and drought in February, March and April during 2014 and 2015. Plant height, leaf number and area, leaf dry weight, and proline and chlorophyll contents were measured were significant on all traits. Important traits such as proline, chlorophyll, fresh weight, dry weight, and plant height were introduced as the most important traits during the growth season. Data analysis was done through combined analysis of randomized complete block design. Results showed that the effect of regions on plant height, leaf area and dry weight, and also proline content were significant. Also, the effect of year was significant only for height and number of leaves. Effects of planting date and sampling in the adaptation of stabragh to saline and drought environments. Gorgan was the most suitable area for cultivation. Variations in the cultivation dates led to changes in the plants’ level of adaptation and stability.  The best planting date was April. The findings suggest that the plant can tolerate dry and saline conditions of the region and we can consider it as an alternative plant in arid and saline areas of the province.