A study of the effects of salinity stress of irrigation water and salicylic acid on the leaf nutrient elements in three grafted almond cultivars

Among abiotic stresses, soil and water salinity are the major factors affecting agricultural crops growth and productivity worldwide. On the other hand, the scion-rootstock combination and also foliar application of chimical compounds as salicylic acid can affect the nutrient elements content of almond leaf under salinity conditions. Therefore, in this study, the effects of foliar application of salicylic acid at 0, 1 and 2 mM concentrations on the changes of leaf nutrient elements (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chlorine, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc and iron) of three almond cultivars (Shokoufeh, Sahand, and Touno) grafted on GF677 and GN rootstocks under salinity stress of irrigation water (0, 2, 6 and 8 dS m-1) was evaluated based as factorial based on a completely randomized design with three replications. The results showed that salinity stress, especially at the highest concentration (8 dS m-1) significantly enhanced sodium, chlorine, potassium and calcium content and also reduced nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, zinc and iron content in plant leaves. Grafted cultivars on the different rootstocks showed different responses to salinity stress and foliar application of salicylic acid. Generally, GF677 rootstock reduced sodium content and enhanced nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc and iron in the leaves of grafted cultivars. Furthermore, foliar application of salicylic acid significantly reduced leaves sodium content of different almond cultivars. Overall, in this experiment, which was performed under controlled conditions, GF677 rootstock as well as foliar application of salicylic acid was more effective in modifying the adverse effects of salinity than other treatments. Of course, it is necessary to study these treatments in orchard conditions as well.