Abstract
Sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.), an emerging halophyte species, represents a nutritious and refined food product. In this study, the effect on yield and quality of potted sea fennel grown on three posidonia (Podisonia oceanica (L.) Delile)-based composts (a municipal organic solid waste compost, a sewage sludge compost and a green compost) and a peat-based substrate was analyzed. Composts were used both pure and mixed with peat at a dose of 50% on a volume basis. We hypothesized that the halophytic nature of this plant might overcome the limitations of high-salinity compost-based growing media. The growth parameters, color traits and trace metals content (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) of the edible parts were compared. Independently of the substrates, the average total and edible yields were 51 and 30 g plant−1, respectively, while the average waste portion was about 41%. The use of posidonia-based compost did not affect the color traits of sea fennel plants as compared with samples grown on the commercial peat-based substrate. In general, potted sea fennel grown on both posidonia-based composts and commercial peat-based substrate appeared a good source of essential micronutrients. Only a weak reduction of Fe and Mn concentrations was observed in plants grown on posidonia-based composts, especially when used at the highest dose. Independently of the growing medium, the content of potentially hazardous trace elements (Cd and Pb) in the edible parts of sea fennel was always below the maximum admissible limits fixed by the European legislation. Results indicate that posidonia-based composts can be used as a sustainable peat substitute for the formulation of soilless mixtures to grow potted sea fennel plants, even up to a complete peat replacement.
Highlights
Sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.) is a halophyte species belonging to the Apiaceae family, known as crest marine, marine fennel and rock samphire because of its habit to grow as a wild plant on maritime rocks, breakwaters and sandy beaches
These results are in agreement with Parente et al [16], and reveal that posidonia-based composts may be suitable materials for the formulation of soilless mixtures to grow containerized sea fennel plants, without any negative effect on growth parameters
Our results show the possibility to use these substrates without any negative effect on the sea fennel growth in comparison with a commercial peat substrate
Summary
Sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.) is a halophyte species belonging to the Apiaceae family, known as crest marine, marine fennel and rock samphire because of its habit to grow as a wild plant on maritime rocks, breakwaters and sandy beaches. It is used as an ingredient of many dishes for its interesting sensory attributes like taste, odor and color [1,2]. Apart from the food use, sea fennel has been largely considered for its nutritional and healthy properties [3] In ancient times, this plant was used in traditional medicine for its stimulating, diuretic and vermifuge effects. More information is needed in the view of a large-scale production of sea fennel, aimed to the optimal crop performance and, to a sustainable exploitation of this emerging halophyte [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
