EFFECT OF SALT STRESS ON IN VITRO PROPAGATION OF ALHAGI MAURORUM (MEDIK)

In present study, effect of salinity stress on In vitro cultures of Alhagi maurorum (Medik) was evaluated. For this piece of work, in vitro cultures were subjected to a range of salt (NaCl) stress conditions and in response to given stress conditions different morphological and biochemical parameters like leaf and root development, survival rate of plantlets and chlorophyll content was investigated. Addition of NaCl to culture medium prompts variation in plant morphology, leaf formation, ex vitro rooting and survival rate of plantlets in comparison to cultures, those grown on control medium (NaCl was lacking). Shoots developed on NaCl supplemented (68.37mM) medium were healthier and greener in comparison to control medium. Leaf formation, improved percentage of ex vitro root development and increased survival rate was also observed on this medium. Chlorophyll content can be considered as one of the most important parameters that shows a good correlation with salinity tolerance. In present report we found that, plantlets cultured on medium containing 68.37mM NaCl have highest chlorophyll content (both a and b), while lower chlorophyll content was reported in cultures grown on control medium as well as with other NaCl concentration. In overall, salinity positively affects growth and development in A. maurorum. These results indicated that in vitro cultures exhibited similar growth response, in particular salt adaptation, to that of halophytes and indicate the halophytic nature of this plant species. As good of our knowledge this is the first report related to salt stress on this plant species, which can be useful in large scale propagation of rare plant A. maurorum.