THE IMPACT OF POTASSIUM SULPHATE APPLICATION ON PHASEOLUS VULGARIS PLANTS GROWN UNDER SALT STRESS

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of potassium sulphate on certain bean genotypes after K2SO4 application based on the analysis of plant growth parameters and macro-micro nutrient element content. The study material included 1 bean genotype (Gevas) and 3 bean cultivars (Akman-98, Sugar and Onceler) obtained in Lake Van Basin of Turkey. The plants were grown under controlled conditions at 23 +/- 2 degrees C temperature and 8000 lux light intensity 12 hours light and 12 hours dark photoperiods, with 4 replicates and 8 plants per replicate and randomized lots design. The plants were grown under stress-free conditions until they reached the 3-leaf stage, after which they were exposed to a constant 20 mM salt stress. 500, 1000 and 2000 mg kg(-1) K2SO4 was mixed to the growth medium before seeding except the control plants. Study findings demonstrated the statistical significance of potassium sulphate application especially that of the 1000 mg kg(-1) and 2000 mg/kg-1 potassium sulphate doses, based on several parameters and its effects on the reduction of salt stress were observed. The variations between the genotypes were observed and it was determined that the genotype Gevas and cv. Onceler exhibited higher tolerance. Despite the other parameters, the nutrient element parameters such as K/Na and Ca/Na content and plant development parameters such as shoot dry matter and root dry matter content were effective in determination of the positive effects of potassium sulphate.