Abstract
This work attempts to identify which of two species with different levels of salinity tolerance, Salvia officinalis L. or Asteriscus maritimus L., is more suitable for irrigation with reclaimed wastewater, as well as the effect of the arbuscular mycorrhiza Glomus iranicum on the plant. The experiment was carried out in a growth chamber with a first phase, where both species were irrigated with good quality water, a second phase in which the plants were irrigated with reclaimed wastewater, and a third phase in which the plants were irrigated with good quality water again (recovery). Salinity caused a reduction in leaf water potential, stomatal conductance and net photosynthesis in both species. The percentage of mycorrhization was higher in Asteriscus than in Salvia, mitigating the decrease in leaf water potential. There was osmotic adjustment in Salvia, although the proline content increased in both species. The damages produced were clearer in Salvia, in which lipid peroxidation values were higher. Likewise, the visual appearance of the leaves showed symptoms of toxicity in this species, although the mycorrhizae diminished these effects. Irrigation with good quality water induced the recovery of lipid peroxidation in both species, as well as the appearance of new leaves in Salvia.
Highlights
Factors such as climatic variations, population growth and ineffective water management practices have caused a great imbalance in the water availability in arid and semi-arid regions [1]
We studied a native halophyte of lands surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, especially Spain, Asteriscus maritimus (L.), which is considered as an useful species in revegetation programmes in Mediterranean areas affected by salinity [8]
Asteriscus maritimus presented a higher percentage of mycorrhization than Salvia officinalis, both in the saline phase (II) and recovery phase (III) (Table 1)
Summary
Factors such as climatic variations, population growth and ineffective water management practices have caused a great imbalance in the water availability in arid and semi-arid regions [1]. One of the viable alternatives may be the use of marginal waters, such as reclaimed waters. Technological advances in wastewater treatment in recent years have meant that marginal waters can be considered suitable for agricultural irrigation and for agricultural, industrial or environmental improvement purposes in areas with limited water resources, such as is the case of the region of Murcia [2]. In the last mentioned example, the use of these waters could be considered for the irrigation of ornamental plants for landscaping purposes, in revegetation, urban gardening or leisure spaces [1,3,4]. Despite the above-mentioned advances, these waters are generally characterized by having higher levels of salts than conventional water, accompanied by changes in pH, alkalinity and chemical substances [3], which can affect the growth, development and quality of plants
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