Effect of salinity on survival and <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">growth performance of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">in vitro </i>grown rough lemon (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Citrus jambhiri </i>Lush.) seeds </span>

Abstract

The effect of salinity on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">in vitro</i> survivality and growth of rough lemon (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Citrus jambhiri)</i> seeds were studied. The seeds were subjected to different concentrations of salt (0.1-0.9% NaCl in MS medium) and compared with control. In all salt treatments, leaves of rough lemon seedlings showed severe injury symptoms of chlorosis and necrosis. With the increase in salt concentration, a significant decrease was observed in seed germination, seedling height, internodal length and subsequently plant weight. However, the length of primary roots increased proportionally with the increase in salt concentration. In comparison to the control, salt treatments showed increased level of Na⁺and Cl^- ions in the seedlings and decrease of K⁺/Na⁺ ratio.