Foliar Application of Potassium Mitigates Salinity Stress Conditions in Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) through Reducing NaCl Toxicity and Enhancing the Activity of Antioxidant Enzymes

Abstract

Agronomic biofortification is the purposeful utilization of mineral fertilizers to increase the concentration of desired minerals in edible plant parts for enhancing their dietary intake. It is becoming crucial to enhance the dietary intake of K for addressing hidden hunger and related health issues such as cardiac diseases and hypertension. This study was designed to enhance the potassium concentration in edible parts of spinach through its foliar application under saline environment. The salinity levels of electrical conductivity (EC) = 4, 6, and 8 dS m−1 were applied using sodium chloride (NaCl) along with control. The levels of K for foliar sprays were 5 and 10 mM, along with control. The present experiment was performed under two factorial arrangements in a completely randomized design (CRD). After 60 days of sowing, the crop was harvested. Data regarding growth, ionic, physiological, and biochemical parameters, i.e., shoot dry weight, relative water content, electrolyte leakage, total chlorophyll content, tissue sodium (Na) and K concentration, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were recorded and those were found to be significantly (p ≤ 0.05) affected by foliar application of K on spinach under saline conditions. The highest growth, physiological and biochemical responses of spinach were observed in response to foliar-applied K at 10 mM. It is concluded that agronomic bio-fortification by foliar use of K can be a useful strategy to increase tissue K intakes and minimize Na toxicity in the vegetables studied under saline conditions.

Uncovering the impact of AM fungi on wheat nutrient uptake, ion homeostasis, oxidative stress, and antioxidant defense under salinity stress

“…According to a recent study, the changed leaf and stem anatomical characteristics of several wheat genotypes are crucial for adaptation to salt stress 12 . The physical variations that occur for the duration of leaf senescence due to various stressors have mostly been studied concerning the damage of photosynthetic pigments, protein breakdown, and re-absorption of mineral nutrients 13 , 14 . Based on 15 , variations in physiology and metabolism are specific to each stage and can impact the ultimate yield of the process.…”

Mitigation of Salinity-Induced Oxidative Damage, Growth, and Yield Reduction in Fine Rice by Sugarcane Press Mud Application

“…The adverse effects of salt stress on plants growth and development depend on different factors, namely, planting species, growth stage, environmental conditions, and salts concentration in soil solution ( Aghighi et al, 2018 ; Monsur et al, 2020 ). Therefore, it is essential to find out sustainable strategies to reduce the deleterious impacts of salt stress through genetic techniques, soil conditioners, and biological products ( Farid et al, 2020 ; Leal et al, 2020 ; Naz et al, 2021 ).…”

Putting Biochar in Action: A Black Gold for Efficient Mitigation of Salinity Stress in Plants. Review and Future Directions

“…However, BC is a promising soil amendment that mitigates salinity-induced osmotic stress and maintains plant water relations by increasing K + uptake and decreasing Na + uptake . Potassium is an important osmoprotectant that maintains plant function and therefore improves plant water relations. , . Aquaporins play an important role in water uptake, and the application of BC up-regulates aquaporin genes, which improves the water uptake and ensures better leaf water status .…”