This investigation was carried out during 2005 and 2006 seasons on
pomegranate and Pyrus betulaefolia rootstock plants to study the effect of House
Green, gibberellic acid and Paraffin oil as an antitranspirant in reducing salinity
hazards on growth rate, total leaf area. trunk cross-sectional area and total dry weight.
In addition, the effect of the different treatments on leaf and root mineral compositions
(N, P, K, Na and Cl), total chlorophyll content, total leaf carbohydrate and leaf total
free amino acids was determined.
The results could be summarized as follows:
1. Raising the salinity level of the irrigation solution from zero to either 1000 ppm
or 2000 ppm NaCl caused a reduction in the plant growth rate, leaf area, total dry
weight, trunk cross~sectional area, total leaf chlorophyll content and leaf total
carbohydrates. While, increased total free amino acids in the leaf tissues of two
fruits species. This influence was more pronounced in plants grown under the 2000
ppm NaCl salinity level
2.The growth rate,leaf area. trunk cross-sectional area,total dry weight, total leaf
chlorophyll content and total leaf carbohydrates of the experimental plants were
positively influenced by the application of House Green (soil applications )
gibberellic acid or paraffin oil as an antitranspirant treatments yet, the inverse
relationship was noticed with regards to the leaf total free amino acids content .
3.8lgnificant positive interactions were generally noticed between either or both
salinity levels and the other treatments except House Green (foliar sprays) on the
growth rate. leaf area, trunk cross-sectional area, total dry weight, total leaf
chlorophyll content and leaf total carbohydrates of the experimental plants.
4. Negative interaction reactions were noticed between either or both salinity levels
and the different experimental treatments on the total amino acids content.
5. The influence of salinity on the concentration of the different nutrients was negative,
in most cases, except for leaf and root sodium and chloride content, as they
markedly increased with increasing the salinity level of the irrigation water.
6. Most of the significant influences of the different treatments on the leaf and root
mineral composition were positive in most cases.
7. The statistical interactions between salinity levels and the other treatments on the
leaf and root mineral composition were positive in most cases.
8.Some of the House Green, gibberellic acid or antitranspirant treatments retarded
the appearance symptoms of harmful of Pyrus betulaefolia rootstock plants. ie.
when the plants were irrigated with the highest saline concentration (2000 ppm
NaCl ), the symptoms of chlorosis appeared after 95 days in 2005 and 113 days in
2006 .