Variation in Seedling Characteristics of Five Populations of Acacia tortilis From the United Arab Emirates in Response to Increasing Sodium Chloride Concentrations

Seeds of Acacia tortilis collected from 5 sites around the city of Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates were germinated in 4 concentrations of sodium chloride (0, 20, 90 and 150 mM of NaCl). Percent of germination, rate of germination, seedling moisture content, root and shoot lengths and seedling lengths were all significantly affected by salt stress. Seeds collected from the different sites were significantly different in their response to salinity conditions. Variations in the response of seedlings from different sites to the different salt treatments suggest an underlying genetic variability within the A. tortilis populations, possibly resulting from variations in the prevailing local conditions. Urbanization in the area and the changing water table may have divided A. tortilis into distinct subpopulations that are significantly different in seedling characteristics and their response to saline conditions