Morphological and biochemical characterization of Date palm genotypes under salinity stress in arid regions

Abstract

Salinization is a physical process in arid and semi-arid soils that causes serious issues for crop production. Date palm is an economically and nutritionally important crop, revealing a significant variability in salinity tolerance among cultivars. This study investigated the morphological and biochemical responses of selected date palm varieties subjected to different NaCl concentrations. Among the cultivars and treatments, significant differences were found. Results revealed that different salinity stresses have significant effects on plant growth, chlorophyll, antioxidants, photosynthetic activity and Total Phenolic Content. Maximum plant height and leaf numbers were observed at T3 (17.56 A) in khupra and Amber at T2 (3.66 AB), respectively and leaf area was maximum in Zahidi (4.84 AB) at T3. Plant fresh weight and dry weight were maximum in Zahidi (39 A) and Amber (39 AB). Root length was maximum reported in Halwain cultivar (29.50 A). At T1, the highest photosynthetic activity and chlorophyll content were noted in Zahidi and Ajwa. Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity was maximum in leaves of Khupra, at T3. The Kurr had notably higher levels of CAT activity (4.46 A) in T3. Barhee, cultivar exhibited substantial improvements in Peroxidase activity at T3. Total phenolic contents were highest in Zahidi at T1. Carotenoid content was maximum in Zahidi and Zirin cultivars. The anthocyanin content was maximum in Aseel and Kurr cultivars in T1. The findings of this study have significant implications for the selection of a particular variety that exhibits tolerance to salinity and an ability to thrive in saline environments.