Biomass production and mineral composition of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) exposed to NaCl

Abstract

The presence of excessive salts in the soil and irrigation water can change the growth and affect the metabolic functions of plants. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is often cultivated in arid and semiarid areas where irrigation with low-quality water and uneven distribution of rainfall may contribute to the accumulation of salts in the substrate. In the present study, coriander plants were cultivated in half-strength Hoagland nutrient solution containing 0.2, 0.6 and 1.2g NaCl L-1 to assess the effect of low concentrations of NaCl on biomass production and mineral nutrients accumulation (Ca, K, Mg, Na, P). The presence of 0.2, 0.6 and 1.2g NaCl L-1 slightly stimulated biomass production. The concentration of Na increased in coriander tissues (up to 4 times relative to control). However, concentration of K and Ca in leaves of plants treated with 1.2g NaCl L-1 was decreased with respect to control. Based on the findings, even though biomass of coriander, under applied NaCl concentrations, was slightly increased, the chemical composition of its vegetative organs was severely disrupted by present salt which is very important for the quality of coriander as a popular herb or spice plant.