Nano-Fe (Magnetic-Fe) and Se Foliar Application Tranquilize the Salinity Adverse-Effects on Satureja Mutica Fisch and Satureia Spicigera (C. Koch) Boiss

Abstract

Background: The secondary metabolites from savory species are widely used in food and pharmaceutical industries. Salt accumulation in the growing medium adversely affects the growth and yield of plants. The hyper-availability of Na+ and Cl- triggers nutrient imbalances, leading to secondary ionic stress. Under salinity exposure, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) over-generation drives oxidative stress in cells. Moreover, when facing environmental stress factors; the availability of essential nutrients and especially micro-elements strongly declines. Foliar application of micro-nutrients principally as nano-form is a promising strategy in meeting the nutritional demands of plants under stress environments with progressive nutrient shortages. Nano-materials and the supply of nutrients as foliar treatments meliorate the growth, biochemical reactions, and nutrient use efficiency of plants under salinity. The idea with the present experiment was to assay the effects of nano-Fe (magnetized-Fe) and selenium foliar application on the growth and some physiological responses of two Satureja species under saline-sodic conditions.Results: When studying the foliar application of Se and nano-Fe (0 and 3 mg L-1) on Satureja mutica and Satureia spicigera via two separate experiments, under normal no-saline conditions; the highest catalase activity was recorded in magnetized-Fe treated plants in both species. Independent effects of foliar application and plant species influenced total phenolics and Mg content of leaves. Foliar sprays reduced MDA content in plant tissue. In the second experiment, foliar applications were evaluated under salinity conditions. No-saline × Se and magnetized-Fe treated plants attained the highest data for aerial parts biomass in S. spicigera.Conclusion: The results demonstrated that salinity adversely influenced the growth and physiological responses, nevertheless, foliar spray with Se and magnetized-Fe partially ameliorated the salinity depression on Satureja species.