Use of saline water in irrigation of coconut palm (Cocus nucifera L.)

Abstract

Four experiments were conducted to study the viability of the use of saline waters in the irrigation of the coconut palm, in different cultivation phases. Experiments I and II consisted of respectively the evaluation of the effects of the irrigation with saline waters (ECw = 2.2, 5.0, 10.0 15.0 and 20.0 dS m^-1) during germination and initial development of seedlings up to 120 days (Expt I), evaluating later, the behavior of seedlings produced under saline stress conditions after being transplanted and irrigated with water of electrical conductivity of 2,2 dS m^-1 in nursery during next 120 days (Expt II). In the Experiment III the growth of seedlings was observed in the nursery, irrigating with saline waters similar Experiment I. In the Experiment IV the effects of electrical conductivity of water (ECw = 0.1, 5.0, 10.0 and 15.0 dS m^-1) were evaluated on the fruit production. Salinity extended the plant germination period and decreased initial growth of plants. Even though salinity showed no effect on fruit production, fruits presented lower mean weight and lower water content, which led to increased soluble solids in the coconut water. Based on these findings, coconut palm can be considered as tolerant plant to salinity water during germination, seedling stage and initial stage of production.

Key words:
germination; plant production; saline stress