Alkaloid Accumulation in Catharanthus roseus Increases with Addition of Seawater Salts to the Nutrient Solution

A sand culture experiment was conducted to determine the effects of different seawater (5% and 10%) treatments on plant growth, inorganic ions, indole alkaloid concentrations and yields of Catharanthus roseus, in an effort to increase the alkaloid yield by artificial cultivation. The total fresh and dry weights and tissue K+ concentrations decreased, but Na+ concentrations increased in the plant roots, stems and leaves of C. roseus under seawater stress as compared to the control. The concentrations and yields of vindoline, catharanthine, vinblastine and vincristine increased under seawater stress. The concentrations and yields of these alkaloids were higher in 5% seawater-treated plants than those in the 10% seawater-treated plants. Considering the industrial production, 5% seawater treatments could reduce the cost of producing alkaloid. In the control plants, the highest alkaloid concentrations reached a peak at 100 days after planting, suggesting that plant harvest must be optimized in terms of growth duration.