Pyroligneous solution as a salt stress attenuator in BRS 323 sunflower

Abstract

Proper salinity concentration can positively impact the growth of sunflower plants. From this perspective, this study aimed to evaluate the sunflower BRS 323 with regard to the effects of salinity and the use of pyroligneous solution as a salt stress mitigator. The experiment was conducted in a plant nursery. The experimental design was completely randomized, in 5 x 2 factorial arrangement with four replications, with one plant per plot. The treatments corresponded to five electrical conductivity levels of irrigation water: 0.75 dS m-1 (control); 1.65; 1.95; 2.65 and 2.85 dS m-1, obtained by dissolving sodium chloride, and two conditions of pyroligneous solution application , with and without. Weekly, the plants were evaluated for growth in height, diameter, and leaf area. Also, the values of the indices of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, shoot and root fresh and dry mass, and flower bud fresh and dry mass were evaluated 50 days after sowing, corresponding to the end of the experimental phase. The results suggest that the pyroligneous solution, at the concentration tested, can be recommended to increase the levels of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll. Moderate salt stress of 1.65 dS m-1 promoted an increase in the growth parameters of sunflower plants.