DIFFERENCES IN RESPONSE OF SOME TUNISIAN CHICKPEA GENOTYPES (CICER ARIETINUM L.) TO SALINITY

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to assess the effects of salt stress on plant growth and mineral accumulation in three Tunisian chickpea genotypes (Cicer arietinum L.). NaCl was added and salinity was maintained at 0, 25 and 50 mM NaCl (EC: 0, 2.65 and 5.3 mS.cm(-1) respectively). In comparison to Chetoui and Kesseb, Amdoun maintained a high level of whole plant growth. Genotypic differences were observed at the level of Na(+), Cl(-) and K(+) distribution between different plant organs. Amdoun showed the lowest leaf Na(+) and Cl-concentrations and the highest K(+) concentrations in these organs, particularly in the presence of high salinity (50 mM). These findings suggest that the relative salt tolerance of Amdoun may be due to its K(+)/Na(+) discrimination. This genotype seem to be able to protect its photosynthetic apparatus against the toxic Na(+) and Cl-ions, and to ensure an appropriate K(+) supply to the plants under salt stress.