The rest of the six species survived under medium saline conditions but showed some
differences in growth performances, with the exception of A. marina. The relative tolerance
of A. marina to medium salinity recorded here is consistent with many other studies (e.g.,
DOWNTON, 1982; CLOUGH, 1984; YE et al., 2005). For the remaining less salt tolerant species,
a reduction in leaf size was the most sensitive indicator of salinity stress, with all species
showing significant reductions. This represents a typical response to water stress, with
smaller leaves produced in order to reduce transpirational losses (PARIDA and DAS, 2005).