Electromagnetic water enhanced metabolism and agro‐physiological responses of potato (Solanum tuberosum L) under saline conditions

Abstract

Saline irrigation compromises the utility of agricultural soil, limiting ion uptake and productivity worldwide. Electromagnetic water might provide a possible solution to enhance ion mobilization. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of saline irrigation on yield, metabolism and some physiological traits of potato over two growing seasons. The drip experiment treatments comprised the following: saline water (SW), electromagnetic saline water (MSW) and ground water (C) applied to three potato varieties (Spunta, Bellini and Alaska) since vegetative growth stage (12 days after planting). Results showed that soil salinity was reduced by 25% under MSW relative to SW. Both C and MSW had a promotional effect on root growth. Tuber number was increased with MSW in Spunta and Alaska. The highest values of photosynthesis, water status attributes and ion content of Alaska variety were associated with an elevated StSOS1 expression level. The effective osmotic adjustment with proline for Spunta and Alaska varieties was associated with differential expression of proline synthesis (StP5CS1) and catabolism (StP5CDH) genes. Accordingly, Alaska seems to be more resistant to salinity than Spunta and Bellini, and electromagnetic water may be useful to enhance potato production in areas suffering from water salinization.

Physiological and antioxidative responses in potato under saline irrigation

“…Water supply and soil characteristics were described in Akrimi et al. (2020).…”

“…Plant material consisted of three potato varieties (Spunta, Bellini, and Alaska), planted in a factorial randomized complete block design with four replications and three treatments (control: groundwater, 2.26 ms cm −1 electrical conductivity [ EC]; SW: 8.50 ms cm −1 EC; MSW: 8.50 ms cm −1 EC). Water supply and soil characteristics were described in Akrimi et al (2020).…”

“…Recently, the electromagnetic treatment of water establishes an efficient trend to attain this concern. This technique consists of the application of fields into water through magnets installed in the irrigation system (Akrimi et al., 2020). Zlotopolski (2017) reported an enhancement of yield and photosynthesis of lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L.) with magnetic water.…”

“…According to Ahmed and Abd El‐Kader (2016), magnetic water reduces salinity impacts and improves soil aeration. Another study showed that electromagnetic water affects growth, yield, and nutrient uptake of potato (Akrimi et al., 2020).…”

“…Potatoes are known as a dietary staple food providing many key nutrients to the diet—mainly, carbohydrates, vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants (Beals, 2019). In Tunisia, potatoes are commonly cultivated in semiarid and arid regions where salinity constitutes a serious threat for crops cultivation (Akrimi et al., 2020). In these regions, growth and productivity of potato depend to a large extent on photosynthetic activity and ability to withstand stress (Mbarki et al., 2018).…”