EFFECT OF SALINITY ON SELECTED PHYSIOLOGICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF Spartina pectinata (Link.) ‘AUREOMARGINATA’

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to examine physiological and morphological characteristics of Spartina pectinata 'Auremarginata' in response to various soil salinity conditions. Investigating the plant's response and time-point of potential adjustment to salinity stress will help determine the suitability of the species for growing in the roadsides. The effect of various levels of salinity on S. pectinata 'Aureomarginata' was examined. The NaCl was applied at five different levels (g•dm-3): 0 (control), 15, 30, 45, 60. The plant response was analysed after 14, 28, 42 and 56 days of the experiment. The highest concentration showed the strongest negative effects, which were indicated by a decrease in net photosynthesis rate (P N), stomatal conductance (g s), transpiration rate (E), specific leaf area (SLA), relative water content (RWC) and the number of shoots, number of young shoots and length of mature shoots. Plants have even some types of adjustment to stress conditions, at medium levels. This was especially valid for P N and g s after 28 days of the experiment. Principal component analysis revealed negative relationship of salinity level with P N , g s , E, RWC, SLA, number of young shoots and number of shoots, whereas a positive relationship was recorded with CMS, C i , number of young leaves and leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD).