Dynamics of Growth and Water Relations of Fodderbeet and Seabeet in Response to Salinity

A pot experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions with two subspecies of beet, fodderbeet ( Beta vulgaris cv. Majoral) and seabeet ( Beta maritima ), under saline conditions. Growth and physiological parameters (dry weight, leaf area, water relations and net photosynthesis) were recorded. The two subspecies responded differently in terms of growth parameters. Plant growth was significantly reduced at 400 m m NaCl, while no significant growth reduction occurred at 200 m m NaCl. Fairly high values of relative growth rate were associated with the leaf area of the cultivars. The water content of the shoot decreased with plant age. The fodderbeet cultivar Majoral showed a significant increase in dry matter at 200 m m NaCl after 5 weeks. This growth improvement may be related to the better adaptation of the plants under saline conditions.