BIOMASS PRODUCTION AND PARTITIONING OF GUAVA (PSIDIUM-GUAJAVA L) IN RESPONSE TO SALINITY AND NITROGEN NUTRITION

The effects of NaCl salinity (30 mMol Na+) and increasing rates of nit rate nitrogen (0, 5, 10, and 15 mMol NO3-) on total biomass production and distribution of white and red-flesh guava cultivars were investig ated over a period of 12 weeks. Dry matter production of leaves, shoot s and stems was reduced with NaCl treatment. However, root dry weight was increased with NaCl treatment. Substantial increase in biomass pro duction of leaves and shoots was observed with increasing rates of N i n the saline media. Stem dry matter production was slightly improved w ith N additions. The possible alleviation of NaCl salinity effects on biomass production with the addition of proper amounts of nitrate N is discussed.