Water relations and ionic balance in Calendula officinalis L. under salinity conditions

Abstract

To gain better insights into long term salt induced effects, some physiological parameters in marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) under 0, 50 and 100 mM NaCI have been investigated. High salinity caused a great reduction in relative growth rate (RGR) and leaf area ratio (LAR). Under salinity stress, decreased osmotic potential (Ψ ϖ ) and increased turgor potential (Ψ T ) were accompanied by an enhanced Na and Cl concentration of leaves. Salinity caused an alteration of nutrient uptake and results suggest that under salinity conditions Calendula officinalis L. maintained osmotic pressure mainly by accumulation of inorganic solutes.