Yield response of Limonium sinuatum cultivars under salinity stress

Abstract

Aim: This research was carried out to determine the effects of different salinity levels on plant growth, yield, quality and certain stress parameters during cultivation of Limonium sinuatum 'Compindi White' and 'Compindi Deep Blue' in a greenhouse. Further, the study also aimed to provide an insight into future studies to reveal the magnitude of the effect of different salinity levels on the commercial cultivation of these plants. Methodology: This study was conducted during 2016-2017 in a greenhouse in Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Turkey. Different concentrations (control, 5, 10, and 20 dS m(-1)) of salinity source in the form of NaCI were used. To examine the physiological characteristics of plants, relative water content (RWC) of leaves was evaluated as stress parameter. The tips of the leaves were examined for the following parameters: chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll, carotenoid values, proline and lipid peroxidation. Results: It was observed that increased salinity level negatively affected the plant growth, yield, quality and some stress parameters. Compared with the control, the marketable yield losses at 20 dS m(-1) salinity level were 59.11% for L. sinuatum 'Compindi White', 72.43% for L. sinuatum 'Compindi Deep Blue'. L. sinuatum showed higher salt resistance than other ornamental plants. Interpretation: The results of analysis of salinity levels of 20 dSm(-1) suggest that using saline-resistant plants as ornamental plants in landscape designs rather than cut flowers would be more appropriate.