GERMINATION ET CROISSANCE D’Atriplex halimus SUBSP. schweinfurthii EN PRESENCE DE CaCl2

Abstract

Atriplex halimus subsp. schweinfurthii (Chenopodeaceae) is a perennial halophyte, which is widely distributed in the Algerian salt steppes. This study reports the effect of calcium chloride (CaCl2) on the germination and growth of this species cultivated in peat-sand mixture. Results showed that seeds were characterized by speed of germination and low sensitivity to the high concentrations of CaCl2. The threshold of sensitivity of germination ranges between 8 and 10 g/l, corresponding to osmotic pressures of 0.259 and 0.324 MPa. Optimal growth was observed at 8 g/l CaCl2 and declined with a further increase in salinity. This variety can be used locally as a fodder for livestock and could be useful in sand dune stabilization cultivated