Abstract
The effect of five fluorine (F) concentrations (0, l·25 x 10-2, 5 x 10-2, 1 x l0-1 and 2 x 10-1 M) on the top and root dry weights of maize (Zea mays L.), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), soya bean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) and mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) in relation to soil salinity level was studied in a glasshouse experiment. Growth of all plants was adversely affected by both F concentration and soil salinity, though the inhibitory level of F for root was lower than that for tops. Moreover, the suppressing effect of F treatment on dry smaller production was more severe in non-saline than in saline soil. This clearly indicates that the F content of irrigation water and soil salinity acted additively to reduce plant growth. Growth response of plant to addition of F varied considerably, presumably owing to inherent differences in their ability to withstand undesirable changes, induced by F, in plant physiological processes. It was suggested that in arid and semi-arid regions, with water rich in F, determination of F content of irrigation water and choice of climatically adapted F tolerant crops are of considerable agronomic importance.
