Effect of EC Levels of Nutrient Solution on Glasswort (Salicornia perennis Mill.) Production in Floating System

Abstract

Halophytes have evolved to tolerate high salinity environments. The halophyte glasswort (Salicornia and Sarcocornia species) grows by the sea or in salty soils and can be consumed with pleasure. In this study, the cultivation of glasswort was studied by testing the effects of different electrical conductivity (EC) levels (10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 mS cm−1) of a nutrient solution. Salicornia perennis Mill. was grown on floating systems in unheated greenhouse conditions. To adjust the different EC levels, sodium chloride was added to the Hoagland nutrient solution (EC: 2 mS cm−1). Plant growth and yield parameters, shoot color, evapotranspiration, and shoot nutrient content were determined. Among the tested EC levels, the highest plant height (33.56 cm), shoot (172.75 g) and root fresh weights (41.74 g), stem diameter (7.85 mm), and fresh biomass (2864.06 g m−2) were obtained from an EC level of 25 mS cm−1. There were no significant differences in shoot color excluding b* and chroma values. It was concluded that glasswort could be grown in hydroponic systems as a new crop and that an EC value of 25 mS cm−1 is the most appropriate for the cultivation of Salicornia perennis Mill. on floating systems.

Unveiling the Antioxidant Potential of Halophyte Plants and Seaweeds for Health Applications

“…This implies that those close to the water exhibit higher salinity tolerance. Among the five tested, P. oleracea shows the lowest salt tolerance [42][43][44][45]. Furthermore, our results showed that this species presented the lowest phenolic and flavonoid content, as well as lower antioxidant capacity.…”

Chemical Characterization and Biotechnological Potential of Bioactive Compounds in Salicornia neei Lag.

“…A low Na+/K-ratio indicates the plant's resistance to salt stress, as the ability to accumulate K+ in high salinity environments neutralizes the toxicity of Na+ in the cytoplasm [21]. Another important aspect of this ratio is associated with nutrition, as lower values are more suitable for human consumption, as elevated values have been associated with the incidence of hypertension [22]. In our study, we observed a low Na+/K+ ratio indicating the resistance of S. neei to salt stress and its suitability for human consumption.…”