Infrared thermography used to diagnose the effects of salinity in a soilless culture

Thermography is a tool used in many scientific disciplines, including agriculture. This paper describes the application of thermography to rapidly diagnosing salinity stress with a high degree of temperature resolution in potted ornamental crops. Syngonium podophyllum and Philodendron erubescens were transplanted to pots in a greenhouse in Almeria (Spain). Salinity treatments were 1, 2, 6 or 12dSm(1) of electric conductivity in a nutrient solution. The comparison of thermography in relation to other assessment methods to measure salinity stress was studied. The results suggest that thermography can be an early useful method to diagnose saline stress in potted plants.