Abstract
In the context of seaside landscaping, one of the greatest challenges for practitioners and scientists is to select suitable species that are able to tolerate salt spray. This is the key aspect for a wide number of potentially suitable species. The objectives of this study were (1) to identify plant traits associated with species tolerance to salt stress and (2) to evaluate the responses of different shrub species to salt spray. For this purpose, a study was conducted to determine the effects of salt spray on twenty-four ornamental shrubs using rapid and easy-to-use methodology. The species were subjected twice a week to nebulization treatment with simulated seawater solution for 60 days. Every 20 days, net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and chlorophyll a fluorescence were determined. Furthermore, dry biomass of the different organographic portions, leaf number, leaf area, Specific Leaf Area, chlorophyll content, and leaf damage were determined at the end of the experiment. The species exposed to seawater solution showed different physiological and morphological responses. Based on the above indices, these ornamental shrubs were screened and categorized as tolerant, moderately tolerant, or susceptible. The results suggest that Convolvulus, Ceratonia, and Ligustrum are more tolerant to salt spray than numerous other genotypes; L. langmaniae, Cascabela, and L. frutescens, conversely, are more sensitive. Among the plant traits, the morphological parameters thoroughly characterized the effects of the salt spray, but they were destructive, with the only exception being the leaf damage percentage. This last non-destructive parameter is interesting considering the aesthetic value that ornamental plants must have. The physiological parameters, and in particular photosynthesis activity, can instead be used as a non-destructive screening method to select species suitable for ornamental green spaces near the sea.
Highlights
In coastal areas, abiotic stresses that adversely affect plant growth and development are represented by soil salinity, salt spray [1,2,3,4,5], and deposition of salt on leaves [6]
The results suggest that Convolvulus, Ceratonia, and Ligustrum are more tolerant to salt spray than numerous other genotypes; L. langmaniae, Cascabela, and L
A similar response was observed for specific leaf area (SLA); all species showed a reduction in this parameter due to the effect of salt spray
Summary
Abiotic stresses that adversely affect plant growth and development are represented by soil salinity, salt spray [1,2,3,4,5], and deposition of salt on leaves [6]. Salt may enter the aerial organs of plants, especially where small surface injuries are present [1]. Plants near the sea have adapted to survive direct contact with salt on their leaves, exposure to marine aerosol may reduce or inhibit their growth [7,8] and reduce their ornamental value [5]. Most studies have focused on the response of plants to saline irrigation [7,10,11,12], and less attention has been devoted to their response to marine aerosol when irrigated with non-saline water
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