Clematis ispahanica Bioss. Performances under Drought and Salinity Stresses in Isfahan

Clemetis ispahanica is native to Isfahan and may be used as an ornamental and medicinal plant. Since Isfahan is located in dry area, salinity and drought are the main limiting factors for plant growth. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to determine salinity and drought tolerance of this species under field conditions in Isfahan, Iran for three years (2010-2012). Five irrigation levels (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 day s intervals) and five salinity levels (2, 4, 8, 12 and 16 dS m-1) were the treatments. Color, survival rate, plant height, freshness, number and longevity of flowers and burning percentage were determined. With a few exceptions, quality and the growth of the plants were not significantly affected by either stresses. The results showed that plants tolerated all levels of drought and salinity levels suggesting that this plant can be used successfully in urban landscape of arid areas as a drought-salinity resistant plant.