The influence of salinity on the vegetative growth, osmolytes and chloride concentration of four halophytic species

Abstract

The aim of this work was to study the influence of salinity of the fertigation solution on the vegetative growth, as well as on the osmolytes and chloride concentration of four halophytic species. Results show that the increase of salinity caused the reduction of plant fresh and dry matter in Asteriscus maritimus, while plant dry weight was unaffected by the salinity in Crithmum maritimum, Halimione. portulacoides and Limonium cossonianum. Salinity enhanced root growth of H. portulacoides. Salt-induced succulence was detected in A. maritimus. The translocation of Cl– to the leaves is an important factor responsible for salt tolerance of A. maritimus and H. portulacoides. However, C. maritimum and L. cossonianum restricted the uptake of Cl– and excrete salts through the leaves. Crithmum maritimum and H. portulacoides accumulated proline and soluble sugars in leaves which acts as osmoprotectant. Among the species studied, H. portulacoides has the greatest Cl– phytoextraction efficiency.