Effect of salinity and zinc on physiological and nutritional responses of rosemary
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1
Department of Soil Science, Shahid Bahonar University, Kerman, Iran
2
Department of Natural Resources, Yazd Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center, Yazd, Iran
Int. Agrophys. 2011, 25(4): 349-353
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ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to investigate the effect of zinc nutrition on growth, leaf relative water content, membrane permeability, and nutrient uptake of rosemary grown under saline condition. A factorial arranged hydroponics experiment with 3 salinity levels, and 3 levels of zinc was performed. At 0 and 2 µM Zn levels, salinity significantly decreased the leaf relative water content. Salinity treatment increased membrane permeability, Na, Cl and P uptake, accompanied by significant decreases in plant growth, relative water content, and K, Ca and Mg concentration. These changes were greater at the 0 and 2 µM Zn levels compared to the 4 µM Zn treatment. Increases in Zn concentration from 0 µM to 2 and 4 µM counteracted the deleterious effect of salinity on relative water content, membrane permeability and ion uptake. The results showed that Zn nutrition is involved in maintaining of membrane permeability and ion-selective uptake which could improve or accelerate the adaptation of rosemary to salt stress.