Behavior of Some Olive Cultivars and Genotypes Transplants Under Different NaCl Concentrations

Abd Elhameed, Ebtesam E.; Sawarsan, Madlen Rashed; Hammad, Ashraf Abd Elfattah

doi:10.21608/sjas.2025.411467.1521

Behavior of Some Olive Cultivars and Genotypes Transplants Under Different NaCl Concentrations

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Olive and Semi-arid Zone Fruits Research, Horticulture Research Institute, Agricultural

² Horticulture department, agriculture faculty, Ain-shams university, Egypt

³ Horticulture department, agriculture faculty, Cairo university, Giza, Egypt

10.21608/sjas.2025.411467.1521

Abstract

Salinity is a major abiotic constraint limiting olive cultivation in Egypt. This study, conducted in the 2023-2024 seasons at the Horticultural Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center (Giza, Egypt), evaluated the morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits of transplants of two cultivars (Cerasuola and Criolla) and seven genotypes-Giza 32, 48, 55, 91, 92, 99, and 102-subjected to four NaCl levels (2000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 mg/L), compared to a control (tap water).
Results revealed that Giza 48 exhibited the highest tolerance, maintaining survival, stable growth (stem elongation, leaf area, fresh biomass), chlorophyll content, RWC, elevated proline, favorable ion balance (lower Na+ and high K+/Na+ ratio), and low LSHC. Cerasuola showed comparable tolerance, followed by Giza 99. In contrast, Giza 32 was the most sensitive. The other genotypes displayed intermediate responses. Based on growth performance under salinity, Giza 48, Cerasuola and Giza 99 can be categorized as salt-tolerant; Giza 91, Giza 55, Criolla, Giza 92, and Giza 102 as moderately tolerant; and Giza 32 as salt-sensitive.
The anatomical investigations of three olive representatives’ genotypes-Giza 48 (tolerant at 8000 mg/L NaCl), Giza 55 (moderately tolerant at 6000 mg/L), and Giza 32 (sensitive at 4000 mg/L)-revealed that Giza 48 exhibited enhanced leaf thickness (upper epidermis, palisade, spongy mesophyll, xylem, and phloem) and well-developed root structures. Giza 32 showed reduced disorganized anatomy, while Giza 55 displayed moderate anatomical plasticity.
In conclusion, Giza 48, Cerasuola, and Giza 99 appeared suitable for cultivation in highly saline reclaimed lands or areas irrigated with saline groundwater.

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