PJB-2021-570
Modulation of nutritional and biochemical status of Cucurbita pepo L. by Calcium Nitrate under salinity
hanifeh seyed hajizadeh
Abstract
Soil salinity is a major abiotic stress, which can decrease water potential and induce nutrient imbalances in plants. To investigate the effect of calcium nitrate [(Ca(NO3)2] in the nutrient solution under salinity, a study was conducted at three salinity levels (0, 50, and 100 mM) and Ca(NO3)2 (2, 3, and 4 mM). Based on the results, increase in salinity from 0 to 100 mM cause to decrease in leaf potassium and calcium concentration whereas the concentration of iron, magnesium and zinc were increased. The most effective rate of Ca(NO3)2 in increasing the nutrient quality and yield of zucchini was 3 and 4 mM. salinity at 50 and 100 mM significantly increased leaf sodium concentration and leaf area as well as the number of leaves but the application of both levels of Ca(NO3)2 modulated the worth effect of salinity. The amount of Malondealdehyde (MDA), proline and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as well as catalase (CAT) activity were increased by severity of salinity but the application of 4 mM Ca(NO3)2 had potential in removing negative effect of severe salinity. Catalase activity was increased with increase in Ca(NO3)2 concentration and it was independent from salinity level. However the amount of proline, MDA and H2O2 decreased in plants feeding with 3 and 4 mM Ca(NO3)2 compared to controls in the presence of salinity. These findings suggest that both 3 and 4 mM concentration of (Ca(NO3)2 under 50 mM salinity, could be able to improve zucchini performance by maintenance ion homeostasis and induce antioxidant defense system.
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