Effects of Phosphorus Supply on the Leaf Photosynthesis, and Biomass and Phosphorus Accumulation and Partitioning of Canola (Brassica napus L.) in Saline Environment

Salt stress is a major negative factor affecting the sustainable development of agriculture. Phosphorus (P) deficiency often occurs in saline soil, and their interaction inhibits plant growth and seed yield for canola (Brassica napus L.). P supply is considered an effective way to alleviate the damage of salt stress. However, the knowledge of how P supply can promote plant growth in saline environment was limited. A field experiment was conducted to explore the effects of P rate on accumulation, and partitioning, of biomass and P, leaf photosynthesis traits, and yield performance in saline soil in the coastal area of Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province, China, during the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 growing seasons. P supply increased biomass and P accumulation in all organs, and root had the most increments among different organs. At flowering stage, P supply increased the biomass and P partitioning in root and leaf, but it decreased the partitioning in stem. At maturity stage, P supply facilitated the biomass and P partitioning in seed, but it decreased the partitioning in stem and shell, and it increased the reproductive-vegetative ratio, suggesting that P supply can improve the nutrients transporting from vegetative organs to reproductive organs. Besides, P supply improved the leaf area index and photosynthetic rate at the flowering stage. As a result, the seed yield and oil yield were increased. In conclusion, P supply can improve the canola plant growth and seed yield in a saline environment. P fertilizer at the rate of 120 kg P2O5 ha(-1) was recommended in this saline soil.

Automated summary

The study found that applying phosphorus fertilizer in appropriate amounts can promote the growth of canola plants and increase seed yield in saline soil. Phosphorus supply can increase biomass and phosphorus accumulation, improve photosynthetic characteristics, and enhance yield performance.