Effects of salinity stress on the growth performance of two varieties of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.)

Salinity stress is one of the most serious factors limiting the productivity of agricultural crops with adverse effects on germination, plant vigor and crop yield. This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of salinity stress on HIB 16 and HIB 17 varieties of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) grown in pots under greenhouse conditions. Salinity treatments of 4 ds/m, 6 ds/m and 8 ds/m were applied for a period of 9 weeks and the physiological changes in the plants were observed. Results revealed that there was no significant difference between the 4 ds/m treatment and control of HIB 16 variety in terms of leaf numbers, stem heights, fresh weights and dry weights throughout the weeks of observation but with an increase in concentration to 6 ds/m and 8 ds/m significant decrease were observed in leaf numbers, stem heights, fresh weights and dry weights. At 4weeks of 8 ds/m treatment the leaves were all withered on HIB 17 variety but there were still leaves on HIB 16 until after the 6th week. The highest recorded height was 65cm and the highest leaf number was 26.67 in control of HIB 16 variety. This work has revealed that kenaf can be grown successfully in moderate saline water. However salt levels of 4 ds/m and above can restrict plant growth and development resulting to significant yield reduction.