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Title: FACTORS AFFECTING GERMINATION OF HIBISCUS SPECIES IN INUNDATED AND SALINE SOILS

Author
item BANUELOS, GARY - 5302-20-00
item BOST, GEORGIA - THE SAPIEN'S INSTITUTE
item DOWNEY, STEVE - 5302-20-00
item SIJ, JR., JOHN - TEXAS A&M - CHINA, TEXAS
item Webber Iii, Charles

Submitted to: Kenaf Association International Conference Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/15/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The objective of this research was to evaluate the establishment and use of Hibiscus species and hybrids for agro-remediation of saline and metals contaminated agricultural and industrial soils. Germination conditions tested include: Field trials of machine-planted seeds under inundated, non- -saline conditions; Greenhouse filter-paper germintation trials under non- saline conditions; Tub trials with 4 different soil-moisture/inundation regimes under non-saline conditions; Petri dish trials with control and metal treatments under saline and non-saline conditions; and Soil pot trials with control and metal treatments under saline and non-saline conditions. Germination success and/or establishment success was compared for each species across treatments, as applicable, including comparison with similar data for kenaf varieties Everglades 41 and Everglades 71. The effect of salinity and metals on both germination rate and subsequent growth were also tested. Uptake of calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), boron (B) and selenium (Se) in subsequently established potted plants were monitored. These preliminary data indicated substantial uptake and tolerance for Na and Cl in root, stem and leaf tissue when irrigated with 10dS/m irrigation water, as well as B and Se tolerance in plants grown in soils treated 10 ppm B (with and without 2ppm Se), and irrigated with 2 dS/m water. These data were compared to similar data for Atriplex canescens grown under saline irrigation. Data from soil pot experiments show concentrations 1.5- to 3-times greater in stem and leaf, compared to Atriplex, for Na. Cl, and up to 5-times greater for B.