Effects of calcium and phosphorus enrichment on yield and physiological characteristics of Salicornia persica under different salinity levels

Abstract

This study aimed at assessing the benefits of phosphate and calcium supplementation to support the growth of Salicornia persica exposed to varying intensities of salinity stress. To achieve this, various concentrations of calcium and phosphorus applied at different levels of salinity under greenhouse conditions with three replications. Under the higher levels of salinity, the decline in shoot biomass is accomplished by the enhancement of leaf water potential. Salinity-challenged plants accumulated both Na⁺ and soluble sugars, while their content of K⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺ ions as well as that of phosphate declined. Supplementation with either calcium or phosphate reduced the uptake of Na, K, and Mg. At 200 mM or 300 mM salinity levels, the plants’ sucrose, fructose, and glucose contents were all correlated with the concentration of calcium. Phosphate supplementation increased the soluble sugar content. Therefore, both calcium and phosphate treatment can be used to ameliorate the biomass production of S. persica in moderate level of salinity.

Keywords:

• biomass
• ion accumulation
• leaf water potential
• sugar content