Effects of Hydrogel on Growth and Visual Damage of Ornamental Salvia Species Exposed to Salinity

Abstract

A greenhouse study at increasing salt concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mM NaCl) with or without hydrogel amendment was conducted during a 10‐week period in order to examine growth and aesthetic responses of three Salvia species. Subsequent analyses revealed that 25, 50 and 75 mM NaCl concentrations had a positive impact on the plant growth (plant height, plant width, fresh weight, and root system volume), while 100 mM NaCl implied a negative response. The positive effect of the hydrogel was most notable in the plant fresh and dry weight, K+ and Ca2+ content, and root system volume. The results further indicate that the amended hydrogel provided sufficient amount of available water and ions that are usually in competition and are limited by excessive Na+ ion amounts. The hydrogel also mitigated the negative influence of higher salt concentrations (75 and 100 mM NaCl), thereby decreasing leaf damage, defoliation, and petal loss, while also improving vitality and aesthetic value of S. farinacea and S. coccinea. In S. splendens, the hydrogel contributed to better vitality but slightly decreased decorativeness. Both qualitative (visual salt damage) and quantitative (growth) parameters proved to be reliable criteria for assessing salt tolerance of the studied Salvia species, while ion removal contributes to the understanding of salt tolerance mechanisms and possible usages.

Frequency of irrigation with saline water in sugar-apple seedlings produced on substrate with polymer

“…The use of water-absorbing polymer has become a low-cost measure aimed at more efficient use of water and reduction of problems related to salinity (Kant & Turan, 2011;Ljubojevi et al, 2017), as it is possible to reduce irrigation depth and consequently the addition of salts. Furthermore, management in irrigation frequency can be determinant in water availability (Navroski et al, 2015), as well as the adjustment of container volume, which is directly linked to the availability of space and nutrients for root growth, possibly leading to greater growth and vigor of seedlings (Costa et al, 2009a,b;Vallone et al, 2010;Mesquita et al, 2012;Santos et al, 2012).…”

Changes in Photosynthetic Pigments, Total Phenolic Content, and Antioxidant Activity of Salvia coccinea Buc’hoz Ex Etl. Induced by Exogenous Salicylic Acid and Soil Salinity

“…Moderate salinity (25–75 mM) was reported to stimulate plant growth in S. coccinea , but high NaCl concentration negatively affected morphological features [ 29 ]. Exogenous application of SA increased the number of branches and fresh herbal weight under non-stressed conditions as compared to control plants.…”

“…It is an herbaceous annual or perennial plant, probably native to Mexico, with paired aromatic leaves and red flowers in whorls, forming simple or branched racemes. This species is an excellent ornamental plant for public green areas and private gardens, and is moderately tolerant to salinity [ 28 , 29 ]. S .…”

Frequência De Irrigação Com Água Salina Na Qualidade De Mudas De Pinha Em Substrato Com Polímero

“…Em geral o efeito dos sais está também associado com a ocorrência de altas temperaturas, baixa umidades atmosférica e intensa radiação, acentuando ainda mais os efeitos deletérios (Mehdi-Tounsi et al, 2017). A presença de alta quantidade de sais no solo com condutividade elétrica em média de 4 dS m -1 ou equivalente 400 mM de NaCl, afeta a absorção de agua, além de causa efeitos de toxicidade na planta (Munns & Tester, 2008;USDA-ARS, 2008).…”

“…A utilização do polímero hidroabsorvente, vem se tornando uma medida de baixo custo em comparação a outra, visando o uso mais eficiente da agua e diminuição do problemas relacionado a salinidade (Ljubojevi et al, 2017). Além disso outra técnica alternativa para o cultivo de plantas em condições de estresse salino, refere-se a frequência de irrigação.…”