Vol. 6, Issue 6 (2018)
Physiological studies and nutrient analysis on the suitability of Clerodendrum inermi, Leucophyllum frutescens and Acalypha hispida shrubs for use in landscaping under salinity conditions
Author(s): Kathari Lakshmaiah, P Aruna and M Ganga
Abstract: The present study pertains to the effect of salt stress on three ornamental shrubs of Clerodendrum inerme, Leucophyllum frutescens and Acalypha hispida and their suitability for salinity condition. Ten saline treatments were taken viz., 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54 dS/m and 0.04 dS/m (Control). The treatments were imposed by irrigating the plants with desired amount of NaCl dissolved in irrigation water. Plants were watered on alternate days (1 litre plant-1) to simulated salinity conditions as seen near coastal belt. The observations were recorded on physiological parameters and nutrient analysis (K, Na), Clerodendrum and Leucophyllum were tolerant to salinity. Leucophyllum and Clerodendrum experienced a strong reduction in growth and a delay in flowering but no toxicity symptoms or mortality was recorded. These species were found to be moderate NaCl accumulators. Acalypha was sensitive to salinity, as 50% of the plants exhibited mortality and the surviving ones experienced a heavy reduction of growth and increased accumulation of NaCl in the leaves. Physiological parameters of relative water content (RWC) and membrane stability index which were found to decrease with increase in salt concentrations. Clerodendrum registered higher total chlorophyll content (SPAD value 56.73), membrane stability index (49.9 %) and Leucophyllum registered higher relative water content (70.13 %) at higher level of salt concentrations (54 dSm-1). At higher salt levels, the percentage of nutrient contents were recorded as the K+ concentration was found to be decreased with increasing levels of salt concentration. In the present investigation, Leucophyllum frutescens and Acalypha hispida were recorded as higher K+ content (1.05 and 1.02% respectively) in the leaf at higher salt levels followed by Clerodendrum inerme (0.94%).
Pages: 2464-2469 | 336 Views 60 Downloads
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How to cite this article:
Kathari Lakshmaiah, P Aruna, M Ganga. Physiological studies and nutrient analysis on the suitability of Clerodendrum inermi, Leucophyllum frutescens and Acalypha hispida shrubs for use in landscaping under salinity conditions. Int J Chem Stud 2018;6(6):2464-2469.
