Ion contents, physiological characteristics and growth of Carum copticum as influenced by salinity and alkalinity stresses.

A controlled experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of salinity and alkalinity stresses on the growth and physiological characteristics of Carum copticum L. The treatments included four salinity levels: 0, 50, 100 and 150 mM NaCl, and four alkalinity levels 0, 20, 40 and 60 mM NaHCO3. The results indicated that root dry weight and magnesium concentration were decreased and catalase and peroxidase activity, proline, malondialdehyde, Na+ and Ca2+ concentration were increased in plants simultaneously subjected to both salinity and alkalinity stresses. In all traits, the highest salinity and alkalinity levels had the most negative and significant effects. In general, our findings revealed that alkalinity and salinity stresses considerably decreased ajwain growth through adverse impact on physiological characteristics such as ion concentration and activity of antioxidant enzymes. These effects were greater when the two salinity and alkalinity stresses were simultaneously applied. Ajwain plant tolerated a part of the stresses via osmotic adjustment mechanism was assessed by proline, malondialdehyde and total carbohydrate.

Feasibility study of saffron cultivation using a semi-saline water by managing planting date, a new statement.

In the current study the possibility of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) cultivating using semi-saline water was investigated at different planting dates. The salinity of irrigation water and soil were 2.9 and 5.8 dS m-1, respectively. The results showed that saffron had an acceptable potential for cultivation using semi-saline water in saline soils. The early planting dates went through the developmental stages faster, meaning saffron corms sown in early October sprouted earlier, flowers appeared faster and fully flowering occurred earlier. Nevertheless, plant senescence was the same in all planting dates. The highest percentage of corms sprouting and flowering were obtained in the early October planting dates in both years, which were matched with canopy temperature distribution. The highest flowers weight as well as stigma fresh and dry weight were obtained on the 13 October planting date within the 3 years study reaching the maximum values during the third year. Electrolyte leakage was higher in the last planting date, while photosynthesis pigments were more in early to mid-October planting dates. These effects might be related to damage of freezing temperature to physiological processes. Shoot dry weight and water productivity were the highest in early October planting dates. The shoot biomass on October 13 planting date was enough to be considered as a new forage source in semi-saline conditions. It seems that cultivation of saffron with semi-saline water is possible by considering a proper planting date, adequate leaching requirement and accurate irrigation management.