Phenological and physio-biochemical variations in Salicornia brachiata Roxb. under different soil and water treatments (salinity)

Abstract

The responses of Salicornia brachiata at six different phenological stages under different treatments (NPS: saline soil + sea water; NPM: saline soil + tap water; GS: non-saline soil + sea water; and GM: non-saline soil + tap water) were estimated by measuring the change in phenological parameters, biochemical as well as physiological characters and nutrient contents for six months (November 2015 to April 2016). In this study, we recorded significantly higher growth [plant height, shoot height and root length (except GM)], fresh weight and dry weight of S. brachiata plants at moderate salinity (NPM treatment). Therefore, we considered that the NPM treatment soil had the optimal level of salinity for the proper growth and development of this plant. The concentration of nutrients and biological molecules in S. brachiata were analyzed and found significant stage and treatment wise variations. The Na+, Cl− and proline contents were higher in NPS and GS treatment plants which confirm their importance to combat salinity stress. The content of total soluble sugars, starch, free amino acids, polyphenols and proline increased with plant phenological stages and higher concentrations were recorded in the last two stages (5th and 6th months). The photosynthetic performance and concentration of photosynthetic pigments were reported significantly higher in GM treatment plants. The results of current study proved the importance of salt to complete successful life whereas higher salinity causes harmful effects. Furthermore, this study will be helpful to increase our understanding regarding the behaviour of S. brachiata under different soil and water salinity treatments.