Effect of salinity on the growth and ion content of Salicornia rubra

Salicornia rubra is a stem succulent annual halophyte, which is widely distributed in the saltpans of Northern Utah playas. This study reports the effect of salinity (0, 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 mM NaCl) on the growth, succulence, osmotic and water relations of the species under greenhouse conditions. Fresh and dry weight of plants increased with an increase in salinity. Optimal growth of S. rubra plants were recorded at 200 mM NaCl and the growth declined with a further increase in salinity. Both sodium (Na) and chloride (CI) contents of plants increased with an increase in salinity, while Ca (2+) , Mg2+, and K+ content decreased. Succulence of shoots increased at low salinity and decreased at high salinity. Water potential of plants become more negative with an increase in salinity. The Fv/Fm ratio was more affected by higher salinity and irradiation stress during growth.