Growth response of the salt-sensitive and the salt-tolerant sugarcane genotypes to potassium nutrition under salt stress

Adequate regulation of mineral nutrients plays a fundamental role in sustaining crop productivity and quality under salt stress. We investigated the ameliorative role of potassium (K as K2SO4) in overcoming the detrimental effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) on sugarcane genotypes differing in salt tolerance. Four levels of NaCl (0, 100, 130 and 160 mM) were imposed in triplicate on plants grown in gravel by supplying 0 and 3 mM K. The results revealed that application of NaCl significantly (p <= 0.05) increased sodium (Na+) but decreased K+ concentrations in shoots and roots of both genotypes with a resultant decrease in K+/Na+ ratios. Physical growth parameters and juice quality were also markedly reduced with increasing NaCl concentrations compared with controls. However, addition of K alleviated the deleterious effects of NaCl and improved plant growth under salt stress. Cane yield and yield attributes of both genotypes were significantly (p <= 0.05) higher where K was added. Juice quality was also significantly (p <= 0.05) improved with the application of K at various NaCl levels. The results suggested that added K interfered with Na+, reduced its uptake and accumulation in plant tissues and consequently improved plant growth and juice quality in sugarcane.