Impact of Simulated Salinity Gradient on Growth Indices of Pennisetum purpureum Schumach

Pennisetum purpureum Schumach (Elephant grass) is a fast-growing perennial grass that has been found useful in the control of termite invasion and cattle grazing. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of salinity gradients on seedling growth of P. purpureum, in term of tillers number, total leaf area, dry and wet weight, chlorophyll content and other growth indices. Pennisetum purpureum seedling showed a significant decrease in total leaf area, the leaf chlorophyll content, relative growth rate, net assimilation rate, total dry weight, and fresh weight with increasing salinity. Generally, the results indicate a significant decrease in all growth indices of P. purpureum with increase in the salinity gradient, hence it is best considered a miohalophyte having the best growth between 0 and 70.00 mM NaCl and low salinity tolerance.